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This easy recipe makes delicious, fluffy dumplings, perfect for a hearty soup or stew. The dumplings are a simple mixture of ingredients you likely have on hand, and you can easily add herbs or seasonings to enhance the flavors in your stew. They can also be sweetened and dropped over simmering berries or fruit.
Whether you’re making a hearty chicken stew or a tomato-based beef or vegetable stew, these dumplings will soak up the flavor and make the meal extra satisfying.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and easy. Just stir, drop, and simmer—no kneading or rolling required.
Fluffy and comforting. These dumplings puff up beautifully and are perfect for soaking up broth or sauce.
Customizable. Add herbs, spices, or cheese to pair with whatever stew you’re serving.
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: The base for the dumpling dough; avoid whole wheat for the lightest texture.
- Baking powder: Gives the dumplings their rise and fluffiness—make sure it’s fresh!
- Salt: Enhances flavor in the simple dough.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness; whole or 2% milk works well.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped fresh herbs, cheese, or spices can be stirred in to match your stew.
Steps to Make Basic Dumplings for Stew
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a gently simmering stew.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover and cook for 10 minutes longer.
Tips for Light and Fluffy Dumplings
- Don’t overmix the dough—stir just until combined for the best texture.
- Make sure the stew is gently simmering, not boiling hard, before adding dumplings.
- Keep the lid on during the second half of cooking to trap steam and fully cook the centers.
- Test doneness by cutting one open—there should be no raw dough in the middle.
Recipe Variations
- Add parsley. A tablespoon or two of chopped fresh parsley adds flavor and color.
- Season for chicken stew. Try poultry seasoning or herbes de Provence for a savory boost.
- Use fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, rosemary, or dill pair beautifully with stews.
- Cheesy dumplings. Stir in shredded cheddar or Gruyère for richness and a pop of flavor.
- Cornmeal twist. Replace one-third to one-half of the flour with cornmeal for a heartier texture—great with chili or Southwestern stews.
- Sweet version. Add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar and drop over warm fruit or berries for a dessert-style dumpling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the dumplings directly on top of your stew for a rustic, cozy meal.
- Pair with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread to round out a hearty dinner.
- Add a crisp side salad or green vegetable to balance the richness.
- Drizzle a little melted butter and herbs over the dumplings for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover dumplings in the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to soften as they sit.
Freeze? Freezing is not recommended, as dumplings tend to become soggy and lose their texture when thawed.
To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the stew if needed.
Basic Dumplings for Stew
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 3 tbsp shortening
- ¾ cup milk
Recommended Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Cut the shortening in until the mixture looks like meal, and then add the milk. Stir just until blended to make a soft dough.2 cups all-purpose flour | 4 tsp baking powder | 1/2 tsp fine salt | 3/4 cup milk | 3 tbsp shortening
- Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto gently simmering stew. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, keeping the stew at a gentle simmer and not a boil. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes longer.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
