Sourdough Discard Dumplings are soft and fluffy treats made from leftover sourdough starter. They’re quick to whip up and perfect for soup or just on their own!
Making these dumplings always feels like a little kitchen magic. I love how they pair with broth, soaking up all that flavor. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the key ingredient, used to give flavor and texture. If you don’t have discard, you can use a regular unfed starter or even a bit of plain yogurt for some tang.
All-purpose Flour: A classic choice for dumplings! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, but the texture might vary slightly.
Milk: I like whole milk for richness, but any milk works fine, including plant-based options like almond milk or oat milk. Just be mindful of the consistency—you want a soft dough!
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The broth is the base for cooking the dumplings. You can use homemade stock for the best flavor or any low-sodium variety. If you run low, add water or more broth as needed.
Diced Vegetables: Optional, but I love adding carrots and celery for extra flavor. Feel free to use any veggies on hand, like peas or corn, or skip them altogether for simpler dumplings!
How Do I Get The Dumplings Fluffy and Tender?
Achieving fluffy dumplings has a lot to do with mixing and cooking. When combining your ingredients, be gentle to avoid overmixing. This keeps them light and airy.
- Mix just until the dough comes together; lumps are fine! Too much mixing can lead to tough dumplings.
- Use a simmer, not a boil, when cooking. Boiling water can make dumplings tough, while gentle simmering lets them puff up nicely.
- Don’t peek when cooking! Lifting the lid traps steam that helps the dumplings cook properly.
With these tips, your dumplings should come out perfectly fluffy and delicious. Enjoy making them!
Sourdough Discard Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust as needed)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter, divided
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed diced vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious meal option! You’ll have warm, fluffy dumplings ready in no time, perfect to enjoy with a hearty broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is well combined. This will ensure even distribution of baking powder and salt in your dumpling dough.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Add the sourdough discard, milk, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to your dry mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a splash more milk; if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour until it reaches a nice doughy consistency.
3. Prepare the Broth:
In a large skillet or pan, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. If you’re adding diced vegetables, toss them in now to get them cooking along with the dumplings.
4. Drop in the Dumplings:
Using a spoon, scoop the dough and drop it by large spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Make sure to space them out, leaving some room in between each dumpling for them to puff up as they cook. If you like, you can shape them a bit with your hands for a smoother appearance.
5. Steam Cook the Dumplings:
Cover the pan tightly with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes. Try not to peek during this time, as lifting the lid can drop the steam and affect their cooking!
6. Add Golden Goodness:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid and brush the tops of the dumplings with the remaining melted butter. This will help them get a nice golden color and a rich flavor.
7. Optional Browning:
If you’d like to give your dumplings a little extra color, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can sear them on low heat with the lid off for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re browned to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve these delightful dumplings warm, soaking in the rich broth with the tender vegetables.
Enjoy your light, fluffy sourdough-flavored dumplings that are perfect for any occasion! They make a cozy addition to your dinner table. 😊
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for dumplings, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly, so adjust the liquid as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Can I Store Leftover Dumplings?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or restore a bit of moisture by warming in the broth on the stove.
Can I Freeze Dumplings?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked dumplings. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, you can cook them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the steaming time.
How Can I Make These Dumplings Vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and feel free to add any of your favorite veggies to the mix! The dumplings will still be flavorful and delicious. If you’re vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk.