Drop Dumplings
Fluffy, tender biscuit-style dumplings that steam right on top of your favorite simmering soup or stew. This classic Southern comfort food is incredibly easy to make and adds a hearty, satisfying touch to any meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- 2
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture
- a.Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- 3
Pour in the cold buttermilk and add the chopped parsley
- a.Stir with a fork just until a soft, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the surface of a gently simmering stew or soup, leaving about an inch of space between them. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 10-12 minutes without lifting the lid. The trapped steam is essential for cooking them properly. The dumplings are done when they are puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the lightest, fluffiest dumplings, make sure your butter and buttermilk are very cold.
- 2Do not overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid developing gluten, which makes dumplings tough.
- 3Ensure your stew is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when you add the dough. A hard boil can cause the dumplings to break apart.
- 4It is crucial not to lift the lid while the dumplings are steaming. This releases the trapped steam needed to cook them through.
- 5For extra flavor, you can add other fresh herbs like chives or thyme, or a pinch of black pepper to the dough.
- 6Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy free
Use a solid plant-based butter substitute and create dairy-free buttermilk by mixing 3/4 cup of unsweetened almond or soy milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
quickQuick
Use a pre-made biscuit mix like Bisquick. Follow the package directions for drop biscuits, adding the dough to your stew as directed in this recipe.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the parsley for picky eaters. For a fun twist, stir in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with the buttermilk to make cheesy dumplings.
healthyHealthy
For added fiber, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Note that this will result in slightly denser dumplings.