Dumplings are the perfect addition to a casserole or stew, to me, the meal isn’t complete without them! Here’s my recipe for how to make dumplings without suet or very much effort! They’re simple, delicious and you only need flour, water and butter to make these.
Traditionally, dumplings are made with suet – but, suet isn’t an ingredient most people buy often (other than, if they’re making dumplings or suet pastry). I’m a big fan of making cooking as simple and straight forward as it can be – and not having to buy new or unnecessary ingredients to do so!
So, these dumplings for stew call for no suet at all – and they’re as delicious, fluffy and moreish as always! If you’ve never made dumplings before they are very easy, and to cook them you just place in the top of your stew or casserole 25 mins before the end of cooking time.
The casserole shown in these pictures is my favourite beef & Guinness casserole and dumpling recipe.
Cold butter or margarine is cut into the flour mixture to bind the dry ingredients together. It also keeps the dumplings light and tender. Whole milk helps create a smooth, moist dough.
For people who are averse to using shortening, one of the tips I got was to substitute chicken fat. It’s healthier and it will give the dumplings more flavor. You’ll need to prepare the chicken at least a day ahead so you can put the broth in the fridge and let the fat harden on top. I haven’t tried it yet, but I plan to the next time I make this dish!
The right kind of chicken and dumplings are the kind that Brandon’s grandmother makes. They are the kind you get at Cracker Barrel. They are true southern style, and they don’t actually have dumplings, it’s more like slabs of tender and delicious biscuit dough. You could think of them as really big, thick noodles. There are no silly things like vegetables in here, it’s just chicken, chicken stock and dumplings. Period. You can eat your green beans and fried okra on the side like the real Southerners do. Every single time we go to Cracker Barrel, that’s what Brandon gets. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And you know that’s going to be hard to live up to because I’m sure Cracker Barrel makes those things with lard and crack cocaine-like everything else they serve. (I kid, I love Cracker Barrel, lard and all!)
I, on the other hand, took a bit more convincing. Even though I grew up in Mississippi and Tennessee, I was never a fan of Chicken and Dumplings. I don’t think I’d ever eaten them before I started on this search. I’ll be the first to admit that was based entirely on looks. These aren’t the best photos I’ve ever taken, but even if I had perfect lighting, it’s just not a very pretty dish. So you’ll just have to take my word that I’m a Chicken and Dumplings convert now. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy and very, very full.
Update: This has become one of the most popular recipes on my site and I’ve gotten lots of feedback from people with tips on how they make their own Chicken and Dumplings, so make sure to read through the comments if you have time!
This is not the easiest recipe ever, but it’s not complicated either. It’s somewhat time-consuming, so this may be more of a weekend dish. But a lot of that is just waiting for the chicken to cook, so you can go do other things. If you do want a faster dinner, you cook the chicken and prepare the dumplings the day before. I like fast and easy dinners as much as the next person, but some things you just have to put in the time and effort to get right. This recipe is worth it!
Traditionally, dumplings are made with suet – but, suet isn’t an ingredient most people buy often (other than, if they’re making dumplings or suet pastry). I’m a big fan of making cooking as simple and straight forward as it can be – and not having to buy new or unnecessary ingredients to do so!
Dumplings are the perfect addition to a casserole or stew, to me, the meal isn’t complete without them! Here’s my recipe for how to make dumplings without suet or very much effort! They’re simple, delicious and you only need flour, water and butter to make these.
4. Next, add in water 1 tbsp at a time, and mix with the spoon – continue adding water (a tablespoon at a time, please don’t be tempted to pour it in as it can get very wet very quick). Continue this, until it forms a dough – mix with your hand once it begins to turn more dough-like
So, these dumplings for stew call for no suet at all – and they’re as delicious, fluffy and moreish as always! If you’ve never made dumplings before they are very easy, and to cook them you just place in the top of your stew or casserole 25 mins before the end of cooking time.
The casserole shown in these pictures is my favourite beef & Guinness casserole and dumpling recipe.
How To Make Basic Dumpling Dough | Dough Recipe | Episode 152
FAQ
What is a substitute for shortening in dumplings?
Why are my dumplings hard and not fluffy?
How do you make dumplings taste better?
Why do my dumplings fall apart when I cook them?
How do you make healthy dumplings?
Perfect healthy dumplings for any occasion. Combine the self raising flour and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Add butter to the mixing bowl. Use your hands to knead the butter into the flour mix. The dough should have a very crumbled texture. Add one tablespoon of water at a time until the dough has a solid shape.
How do you make a dumpling dough?
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter or soft margarine that’s been kept at room temperature. Use either a pastry cutter, a tablespoon, or your fingers to mix it into the flour mixture. Stir milk lightly with a wooden spoon and adjust the liquid amount to make sure that you have a moist dumpling dough.
What kind of flour do you use for dumplings?
The dumplings taste great, and make the meal more filling. Self raising flour: This is essentially regular flour with added raising agents. Butter: Use any softened butter. Italian seasoning: Adds flavor. You can also use any dried herbs of your choice. Water: Only a splash or two is needed to give the dough the right texture.
Can you make dumplings without suet?
Dumplings are the perfect addition to a casserole or stew, to me, the meal isn’t complete without them! Here’s my recipe for how to make dumplings without suet or very much effort! They’re simple, delicious and you only need flour, water and butter to make these.