How to Make Classic Drop Dumplings from Scratch

If you’re looking to make a comforting, hearty meal that will take you back to childhood memories, then old fashioned drop dumplings may just be the perfect dish for you. These fluffy, soft dumplings are simple to make and pair perfectly with soups, stews, and gravies.

To start, all you need are just a few basic pantry staples like flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. With these ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious dumplings in no time. And the best part? You don’t need any special cooking skills or fancy equipment to make them. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make some of the most delicious old-fashioned drop dumplings you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients Needed

To make old-fashioned drop dumplings, you will require the following ingredients:

1. All-purpose flour: Two cups
2. Baking powder: Four teaspoons
3. Salt: One teaspoon
4. Milk: Three-quarters cup
5. Butter: Two tablespoons
6. Chicken broth: Four cups
7. Bay leaf: One
8. Thyme: Half a teaspoon
9. Black pepper: A pinch
10. Chicken: One pound (diced)

Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients let’s get started with the recipe.

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the milk and butter and mix until the dough is smooth.
3. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Set it to boil.
4. Add the diced chicken and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered.
5. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the pot. Don’t worry if they are not perfect circles.
6. Stir the pot gently to prevent the dumplings from sticking together.
7. Let the dumplings cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
8. Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot.
9. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect old-fashioned drop dumplings:

1. Don’t overwork the dough. The more you knead it, the tougher the dumplings will become.
2. Make sure the chicken is cooked before adding the dumplings. If it’s not, the dumplings will absorb all the moisture and become soggy.
3. If you want your dumplings to have a richer flavor, you can use chicken stock instead of broth.
4. Letting the dumplings cook for too long can make them mushy, so make sure to keep an eye on them.
5. If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or ham.
6. Adding a small pinch of nutmeg to the dough can give it a unique flavor.
7. If you prefer thinner dumplings, you can add more milk to the dough.
8. You can also add vegetables like peas, carrots, or onions to the pot for a more savory taste.
9. For a more authentic taste, you can use a cast-iron skillet instead of a pot.
10. To make the dumplings fluffy, make sure the dough is on the wetter side.

10 Steps to Making Perfect Old-Fashioned Drop Dumplings

Dumplings have been an essential part of Southern cuisine for ages. The combination of warm broth and tender dumplings can comfort and warm even the coldest of souls. The drop dumpling is a classic dish, perfect for all occasions.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to make and entirely enjoyable. We’ve outlined ten steps to help you create perfect old-fashioned drop dumplings.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, it’s always important to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, milk, and an egg. You will also need chicken broth or stock.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture will serve as the dry ingredients for your dumplings.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk one large egg. Add 2/3 cup of milk to the egg and whisk until combined.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Mix

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Don’t worry if the dough is a little sticky or lumpy, it will come together as you cook.

Step 5: Heat Broth to a Boil

Add chicken broth or stock to a large pot and heat to a boil.

Step 6: Use a Spoon to Drop Dough into Broth

Using a spoon, drop the dumpling dough into the boiling chicken broth or stock. Don’t worry about shaping the dumplings; the dough will shape itself as it cooks. Be sure to drop the dough evenly to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Reduce Heat and Simmer Dumplings

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the dumplings to cook for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are finished cooking, serve them in the hot broth. Garnish with herbs like parsley or dill if desired. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that dumplings provide.

Step 9: Store Leftover Dumplings

If you are fortunate enough to have leftovers, store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Step 10: Reheat Dumplings

If you are reheating leftover dumplings, drop them into a pot of hot broth or stock for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. They will be just as delicious as the first time you enjoyed them.

In conclusion, making old-fashioned drop dumplings is a simple yet delicious dish that dates back generations. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you too can master this classic Southern comfort food. Experiment with different broths and flavorings to find your favorite combination, and enjoy this comforting dish time and time again. Happy cooking!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making old-fashioned drop dumplings, the ingredients are essential. The following ingredients are easy to find in any kitchen and can be the perfect addition to your recipe:

Flour

Flour is the base for old-fashioned drop dumplings. You will need all-purpose flour for this recipe, which is typically used for a variety of cooking methods like baking, frying, and cooking.

Eggs

Eggs are the binding agent for the dumplings. They help the mixture hold together, and give it a rich and smooth texture.

Milk

The milk helps to create a soft and pillowy texture to the dumplings. Whole milk is the best choice because of its full fat content.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is used as the leavening agent in the dumplings, which makes the dough rise and become fluffy.

Salt

Salt is used to flavor the dumplings, and enhances the other ingredients. You will need a few pinches of salt to get the perfect taste in your dumplings.

It is essential to have the ingredients prepared before you start making your dumplings. Making sure that measurements and all the ingredients are in place gets you the right taste as desired. With the next sections of the article, the steps help put the ingredients together in the right way to create delicious dumplings.

Time to enjoy the taste of nostalgia!

There you have it, making old fashioned drop dumplings cannot be easier than that. All those ingredients you may already have in your kitchen, so why not give it a try and indulge in that wonderful comfort food? There is nothing like the taste of a homemade meal that reminds us of home. Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Don’t hesitate to come back for more comfort food recipes and cooking tips soon!