Make perfect dumplings without suet from scratch with this easy recipe. Homemade dumplings are the perfect addition to stews or soups, and only require 4 ingredients.
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These dumplings contain no suet, and are instead made using butter, or a vegan butter substitute. The texture is very similar to old fashioned dumplings, but they are easier to make and much healthier.
Learning how to make dumplings for stew is such a game changer. These easy dumpling balls can be added to any of your favorite stews, for example, a traditional Slow Cooker Beef Stew. The dumplings taste great, and make the meal more filling.
Why you'll love it
- Easy to make
- Only 4 ingredients needed
- Much healthier than suet based dumplings
- Affordable homemade dumplings
- Easy gluten free, egg free, dairy free and vegan options
- Perfect with any stew or soup
Ingredients
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.
💡 TIP! Don't have access to self raising flour? No problem! Substitute the self raising flour with equal amount of all-purpose flour, and add 2 ¼ teaspoon of baking powder.
Instructions
You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page
One: Combine the self raising flour and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
Two: Add butter to the mixing bowl.
Three: Use your hands to knead the butter into the flour mix.
Four: The dough should have a very crumbled texture.
Five: Add one tablespoon of water at a time until the dough has a solid shape.
Six: Split the dough into 6 equal pieces, and roll them into balls.
Add the dumplings to your favorite stew or soup. Cook them for about 10 minutes in a pot covered with a lid, and serve. The dumplings will rise slightly.
Top tips
- Don't overwork the dough. You should only knead them until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Make a big batch and freeze them down for later. Then you have homemade dumplings for your stews all winter long.
- Try using a variety of dried herbs. Italian seasoning is great, but any herbs will work well.
- You can also make more or fewer dumplings by changing their size. Smaller dumplings cook faster, while larger dumplings will need a longer cooking time.
Serving suggestions
These dumplings are the perfect addition to any hearty soup or stew. The dumplings make the stew more filling, and is a great alternative to serving the dish with bread on the side.
Here are some of my favorite stew or soup recipes to use them in:
- Butter Bean Stew with Chorizo
- Spanish Chicken Stew
- Sausage and Bean Stew
- Vegan Stew with Dumplings
- Black Eyed Pea Soup
- Healthy Mushroom Soup
Variations
Try different seasoning: Feel free to try using different herbs or spices. Dried thyme, oregano, fennel or rosemary would taste amazing. You can also try garlic powder and lemon zest. I like to change the seasoning depending on what kind of stew I'm making.
Gluten free: You can find gluten free self raising flour in most supermarkets.
Vegan dumplings: Dumplings without suet are easy to make vegan. All you have to do is use vegan butter!
Equipment
To make these dumplings, all you need is a mixing bowl. I like to use my hands to knead the dough together, but you can also use a stand mixer.
The dumplings are also best when they are cooked in a soup or stew, so make sure you have a dish ready, unless you are making the dumplings with the purpose of freezing them down for later.
Storage
Leftover cooked dumplings: Can be stored in sealed containers in a refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Leftover uncooked dumplings: Can be stored in a sealed container in a refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can then use them in any dishes that you like.
Alternatively, you can also freeze the uncooked dumplings for up to 6 months. Thaw or defrost them in a refrigerator overnight, and then add them to your stew. You can also use frozen dumplings in your stew, but they will take about 20-30 minutes to fully cook through.
Frequently asked questions
I like to use self raising flour for dumplings, as they already contain a rising agent. You can also use all-purpose flour.
No, I don't recommend making dumplings without butter or suet. You can use light butter, or an oil based butter-like spread if you prefer.
Season them! Dumplings should be seasoned with dried herbs or spices to give them some flavor.
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Recipe
Dumplings Without Suet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 g self-raising flour
- 100 g butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- 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. You might only need one or two spoonfuls.
- Split the dough into 6 equal pieces, and roll them into balls. Add them on top of your favorite stew or soup, and leave them to steam covered with a lid for about 10 minutes while the stew finishes cooking.
Video
Notes
- Don't have access to self raising flour? No problem! Substitute the self raising flour with equal amount of all-purpose flour, and add 2 ¼ teaspoon baking powder.
- Store leftover cooked dumplings in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. Uncooked dumplings can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Food safety
Follow safe cooking practices with these tips:
- Wash your hands before and after you knead the dough
- Wash your hands after handling any meat that might be in your stew
- Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible
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