This simple dumplings recipe reflects a practical, home-kitchen approach to comfort cooking common in mid-20th-century American households. Written with minimal instruction, it assumes familiarity with basic techniques and was likely intended as a quick addition to soups, stews, or simmered meats. The combination of flour, baking powder, milk, and fat produces soft, tender dumplings that cook gently in liquid rather than being baked or fried. Butter added during cooking enriches the dough and gives the finished dumplings a smooth, comforting texture. Loved for their simplicity and versatility, these dumplings are a reminder of economical, no-nonsense cooking designed to stretch a meal while adding warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ tbsp shortening
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ stick butter
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Step 2: Add Shortening
- Cut shortening into the dry ingredients until lightly combined.
Step 3: Form Dough
- Stir in ¾ cup milk until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Cook Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into gently simmering liquid.
- Add butter and remaining ¼ cup milk.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Tips
- Drop dumplings into soup or stew for extra flavor
- Do not lift the lid while cooking
- Use butter instead of shortening if preferred
- Add chopped herbs to the dough
- Make smaller dumplings for faster cooking
- Use whole milk for best texture
- Lightly flour the spoon to prevent sticking
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 180IUCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg
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