Traditional British Suet Dumplings Recipe
Suet dumplings are a beloved staple in British cuisine, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal. These dumplings, made from a simple mixture of self-raising flour, suet, and water, are a wonderful addition to stews and casseroles, turning a humble dish into a hearty feast. Whether you’re using beef suet for a traditional touch or opting for a vegetarian version, these dumplings are sure to be a hit.
Fact
Did you know that suet dumplings have a storied history dating back to the times when food needed to be stretched during hard times? Suet, the firm fat found around the kidneys of beef or sheep, imparts a distinctively light and fluffy texture to the dumplings. For those with dietary preferences, vegetarian suet provides a similar texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
Serving Suggestions
Suet dumplings are best served atop a bubbling stew or casserole, absorbing the rich flavours of the dish beneath. They pair exceptionally well with traditional beef stew, vegetable casseroles, or even a hearty chicken and vegetable pot. For added colour and flavour, consider mixing in fresh parsley or other herbs into the dough before cooking.
Storing Instructions
If you have any leftover dumplings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dumplings. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat suet dumplings, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the dumplings in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminium foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.
Conclusion
We’d love to hear how your suet dumplings turned out! Share your experiences and any creative twists you added in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more traditional recipes and culinary tips. Happy cooking!
How to Make Suet Dumplings Recipe
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Traditional British Suet Dumplings Recipe
Description
These traditional British suet dumplings are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for topping off your favourite stews and casseroles. Made with self-raising flour and shredded suet, these light and fluffy dumplings absorb the rich flavours of the dish beneath, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you use beef suet or a vegetarian alternative, these dumplings are sure to become a family favourite.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
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Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, shredded suet, and salt. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Add Water
Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, mixing with a fork until the mixture forms a firm dough. The dough should be firm but not sticky or crumbly.
Shape the Dumplings:
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Divide Dough
Divide the dough into 8-12 equal pieces (depending on your preferred size).
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Roll into Balls
Roll each piece into a ball with your hands.
Cook the Dumplings
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Place on Stew
Place the dumplings on top of your simmering stew or casserole. Ensure they are in a single layer and not submerged in the liquid.
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Cook Covered
Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 20 minutes.
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Optional Crisping
For a crisper exterior, remove the lid after 20 minutes and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve
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Serve Hot
Serve the dumplings immediately atop your favourite stew or casserole. Enjoy the fluffy and flavourful addition to your hearty meal.
Equipment
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- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- Calories from Fat 72kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Customise: Feel free to add your favourite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the dough for added flavour.
- Alternative Ingredients: If you can't find suet, grated frozen butter or lard can be used as a substitute.
- Cooking Variations: These dumplings can also be steamed or boiled if you prefer not to cook them in a stew.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian suet to make this dish suitable for vegetarians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use plain flour, but you'll need to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to ensure the dumplings rise properly.
If you can't find suet, you can use grated frozen butter or lard. For a vegetarian option, look for vegetable suet in your local supermarket.
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the dumplings a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
While traditionally cooked in a stew or casserole, you can also steam or boil suet dumplings. However, cooking them in a stew allows them to absorb more flavour.
Yes, you can freeze the shaped, uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Fiona O'Sullivan
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