Drop Dumplings Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a pot of stew or soup with fluffy, soft drop dumplings floating on top. These simple, pillowy dumplings soak up the rich flavors of the broth or sauce they’re cooked in, making them a hearty addition to any meal. Whether you’re making chicken and dumplings, beef stew, or vegetable soup, this recipe for drop dumplings will take your dish to the next level. Easy to prepare and requiring just a few basic pantry ingredients, these dumplings are the perfect way to add substance and comfort to your favorite meals. Keep reading for the recipe, along with tips for perfecting these classic dumplings.

What are Drop Dumplings?

Drop dumplings are a type of soft, doughy dumpling that is made from a simple batter and "dropped" directly into simmering broth, stew, or soup. As they cook, they puff up and become fluffy, absorbing the flavors of the liquid they’re cooked in. Unlike rolled dumplings, which are cut into shapes and then added to a dish, drop dumplings are spooned directly into the pot, making them quicker and easier to prepare. They’re traditionally served with hearty dishes like chicken and dumplings, but they’re also perfect in a variety of soups and stews.

Ingredients List for Drop Dumplings

These fluffy dumplings require just a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional, for seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon butter or shortening, chilled and cubed
• 1 cup milk (you can use water or broth for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives (optional, for extra flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about drop dumplings is their versatility. If you need to tweak the recipe based on what you have available, or if you want to add some extra flavors, here are a few suggestions:

• Flour: You can use whole wheat flour or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour to make the dumplings heartier. However, using all whole wheat may make the dumplings denser, so you may want to use a blend for a fluffier result.
• Milk alternatives: Feel free to substitute the milk with any type of non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. You can also use water or broth for a lighter version with added flavor.
• Butter: You can use shortening, margarine, or even oil instead of butter. The fat helps create a tender dumpling, but any of these will work.
• Flavor enhancements: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter for extra flavor. Cheese lovers can even mix in a little grated cheddar or Parmesan for cheesy dumplings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Drop Dumplings

Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to making soft, fluffy drop dumplings for your soups and stews.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper (if using). This will ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed and that the dumplings will rise properly.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

1. Add the chilled butter (or shortening) to the dry ingredients.
2. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small bits of butter will melt during cooking, helping to create fluffy dumplings.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

1. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring gently with a fork or spoon just until the dough comes together. You want to mix it until everything is combined, but don’t overmix—this can make the dumplings tough.
2. If you’re adding fresh herbs or other flavorings, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.

Step 4: Drop the Dumplings into the Simmering Liquid

1. Once your soup, stew, or broth is at a gentle simmer (not boiling), it's time to add the dumplings.
2. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering liquid. Each dumpling should be about the size of a tablespoon, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so don’t overcrowd the pot.
3. Make sure the dumplings are sitting on top of the stew or soup, not submerged, as they need the steam to help them cook through.

Step 5: Cover and Cook

1. Cover the pot with a lid, making sure it’s tightly sealed to trap the steam. This step is crucial, as the steam is what helps the dumplings puff up and cook evenly.
2. Let the dumplings cook for 10-15 minutes without lifting the lid. Resist the temptation to peek, as opening the lid will let out the steam and can cause the dumplings to deflate.
3. After 10-15 minutes, check to see if the dumplings are cooked through. They should be puffed up and firm to the touch. You can also test them by cutting one in half to make sure the inside is cooked and not doughy.

How to Make Drop Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to follow for making fluffy drop dumplings:

1. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and optional seasonings together.
2. Cut in the butter: Add cold butter and mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add milk: Stir in milk until the dough comes together.
4. Drop dough into simmering liquid: Spoon dough into simmering soup or stew.
5. Cover and steam: Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: Overworking the dough will lead to tough, dense dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Lifting the lid: Once the dumplings are cooking, do not lift the lid for at least 10 minutes. The steam inside the pot is essential for fluffy dumplings.
• Boiling the liquid: If your liquid is at a rolling boil, the dumplings may cook unevenly and could break apart. Keep the stew or soup at a gentle simmer to ensure even cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Drop dumplings are best served warm, right after they’ve finished cooking. Here’s how to serve them for the best experience:

How to Serve Drop Dumplings

• With soups and stews: The classic pairing is with hearty chicken and dumplings, beef stew, or any thick soup. The dumplings add bulk to the dish and soak up all the delicious flavors.
• With gravy: You can also serve these dumplings with a savory gravy, much like biscuits and gravy, for a comforting meal.
• As a side dish: These dumplings are hearty enough to be served as a side dish with roast meats, vegetables, or a rich sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Drop Dumplings

• Top with fresh herbs: Garnish the dumplings with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve family-style: Bring the entire pot of stew or soup to the table and serve the dumplings directly from the pot for a rustic, family-style meal.
• Butter drizzle: For extra richness, drizzle the dumplings with a little melted butter just before serving.

Drop Dumplings Recipe Tips

• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create fluffy dumplings by creating little air pockets in the dough as it melts.
• Simmer gently: Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to ensure even cooking and prevent the dumplings from falling apart.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Give the dumplings enough room to expand as they cook. You may need to do them in batches if you’re making a large amount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make drop dumplings without baking powder?
Baking powder is essential for the dumplings to rise and become fluffy. If you don’t have baking powder, you can try substituting with self-rising flour, which already contains a leavening agent.

Can I freeze drop dumplings?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked dumplings by dropping spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dumplings to a freezer bag. To cook, add the frozen dumplings directly to simmering broth without thawing.

How do I reheat drop dumplings?
Reheat dumplings gently in a pot of broth or stew over low heat. Be careful not to boil the liquid, as the dumplings can become tough if overcooked during reheating.

What should I do if my dumplings are tough?
Tough dumplings are usually a result of overmixing the dough or cooking them too long at a high temperature. Be sure to mix the dough just until combined and cook the dumplings at a gentle simmer, not a boil.

Conclusion

This drop dumplings recipe is a perfect way to add a hearty, comforting element to any stew, soup, or broth-based dish. The dumplings are soft, fluffy, and wonderfully absorbent, soaking up the rich flavors of whatever they’re cooked in. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, and they come together in just minutes. Whether you’re making a classic chicken and dumplings, a thick beef stew, or a flavorful vegetable soup, these drop dumplings will elevate the dish and provide a warm, comforting meal. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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