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.
Jump to:
This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.
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.
You might also like these recipes
If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!
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
Leave a comment