Name: Homemade Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp white sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp parsley (optional); 1 tbsp margarine; 1/2 cup milk

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Inside: Make perfect homemade dumplings with this easy, time-tested recipe. Ideal for stews and soups, these dumplings are a family favorite.

We love homemade dumplings when we have stew. They add a major filling effect to any meal, no matter how little you eat of the stew. Stew and dumplings are the perfect cool-weather supper. This time-tested recipe is a family favorite, bringing a fluffy, flavorful touch to any dish.

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Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these dumplings are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Follow along for tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions to make the perfect homemade dumplings every time.

We actually call dumplings “octopus brains” in our house as a little joke, I mean, they do kind of look like brains right? We serve these with stew, stoups, and some soups. Anything that is savory.

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These are easy to make, and once you drop them in the pot, you are basically done until they are fully cooked.

What you need:

1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp parsley (optional)
1 tbsp margarine
1/2 cup milk

How to Make Homemade Dumplings

Start by mixing together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In the bowl of your stand mixer, I use the dough hook, it makes the dumplings come together faster.

Cut in cold margarine until your dry ingredients are crumbly. I do use my mixer for this, I used the batter beater.

Slowly mix in milk until soft. Make 12 small balls. I use a meatball scoop to have dumplings that are all the same size.

You will drop these balls into the boiling stew, cover them, and cook for approximately 15 minutes. It would be best if you kept the stew boiling to cook these.

You can make this in your Instant Pot too, I have been doing it for some time now as I make my stew in the Instant Pot. After cooking your meal, switch your Instant Pot to saute, which will bring your meal back to a boil. Use an Instant Pot lid (I use one from my own pots and pan set that fits perfectly), to cover while the dumplings cook. You don't want to use the Instant Pot pressure cooker lid, as that will turn off the saute feature.

You'll know they are cooked when they doubled in size, and look delicious. Stick a toothpick in the center of one, if it comes out clean, they are cooked. They are not going to brown up, they are quite sticky.

Tips for Perfect Dumplings:

Keep It Light: Avoid overmixing the dough to ensure your dumplings stay light and fluffy.
Cover and Don't Peek: Once the dumplings are in the stew, cover the pot and resist the urge to lift the lid, as this helps the dumplings cook evenly.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into one of the dumplings; it should come out clean when they're fully cooked.

Variations and Substitutions:

Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dough for an aromatic twist.
Cheese Dumplings: Mix in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for cheesy dumplings.
Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

These homemade dumplings are a versatile and delicious addition to any stew or soup. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy comfort of homemade dumplings. If you loved this recipe, don't forget to share it with friends and family or leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out!

Serving Suggestions:

These dumplings are perfect atop any stew or soup. Try them with:

Classic Chicken Stew: A hearty combination of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth.
Beef Stew: Tender chunks of beef and root vegetables in a rich, savory gravy.
Vegetable Soup: A medley of seasonal vegetables in a flavorful broth.

Yield: 12