Grandma’s Classic Flour Dumplings Recipe: A Family Tradition

Grandma’s flour dumplings are a cherished family recipe, loved for their simplicity and versatility. These dumplings are light, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned, making them an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Whether served with roasted onions, crispy bacon, or a savory sauce, these dumplings are sure to bring a touch of comfort and nostalgia to your table. Plus, any leftovers can be pan-fried to golden perfection, making them even more irresistible. Here’s how to recreate this timeless recipe step-by-step.

Ingredients

To make these delicious flour dumplings, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1.5 teaspoons leveled salt
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • 720 g (6 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 L (8 1/2 cups) broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
  • 350 ml (1 1/2 cups) milk

Ingredient Notes:

  • Flour: All-purpose flour is best suited for this recipe, giving the dumplings their perfect texture.
  • Broth: Using broth instead of plain water adds depth of flavor to the dumplings. Choose chicken, beef, or vegetable broth based on your preference or availability.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. This process helps to eliminate any lumps and aerates the flour, making the dumplings light and fluffy. Crack the eggs into a separate cup first to ensure they are fresh, then add them directly into the bowl with the flour.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Initial Milk

Add the leveled salt and a pinch of nutmeg to the flour and eggs. Nutmeg provides a subtle, warm flavor that enhances the dumplings. Pour in a generous splash of milk and begin mixing everything together using a sturdy wooden spoon.

Step 3: Form the Dough

As you mix, gradually add more milk in small amounts. Continue stirring until a tough dough forms and begins to develop bubbles. These bubbles indicate that the dough has the right consistency and is ready for cooking. The dough should be firm yet slightly sticky.

Step 4: Boil the Broth

In a large pot, bring 1.5 to 2 liters of broth (or salted water) to a boil. The boiling liquid will cook the dumplings and infuse them with flavor.

Step 5: Shape and Cook the Dumplings

Using a large tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough and drop them into the boiling broth. To prevent the dough from sticking to the spoon, dip the spoon into the hot broth before each scoop. This simple trick ensures smooth and easy release of the dough into the broth.

Step 6: Cook Until Dumplings Float

Once all the dumplings are in the pot, reduce the heat to medium. Let the dumplings cook undisturbed until they float to the surface of the broth. This floating indicates that the dumplings are fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove the cooked dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel if desired. Serve them warm as a side dish with your choice of roasted onions, crispy bacon, or a hearty sauce like gravy or a creamy mushroom sauce.

Step 8: Fry Leftover Dumplings

If there are any leftover dumplings, they taste even better when fried later in the day. Simply heat a bit of butter or oil in a skillet, add the dumplings, and fry them until they are golden and crispy on the outside. This creates a delightful contrast between the soft interior and the crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Roasted Onions: Sauté thinly sliced onions in butter until caramelized and serve over the dumplings for a sweet and savory combination.
  • With Bacon: Fry diced bacon until crispy and sprinkle over the dumplings for a burst of smoky flavor.
  • With Sauce: A rich sauce, such as a creamy mushroom sauce or gravy, pairs perfectly with these dumplings, making them a delicious side or even a main dish.

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: Approximately 8 servings
  • Calories: 230 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg

Tips for Perfect Flour Dumplings

  • Adjusting Dough Consistency: If the dough is too stiff, add a bit more milk. If it’s too runny, incorporate a little more flour. The dough should be tough but able to form bubbles.
  • Cooking in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the pot, cook the dumplings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.

Grandma’s flour dumplings are more than just a side dish—they are a cherished family tradition that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With their light, fluffy texture and versatile flavor, these dumplings are perfect for any meal. Enjoy them fresh out of the pot, or savor the crispy goodness of leftovers fried to perfection. No matter how you serve them, these dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your home, just as they have been in ours for generations.

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