Grandma’s Fantastic Semolina Dumplings – Melt-in-your-mouth Goodness!
Ingredients:
- ¼ liter milk
- 120 g semolina
- 40 g butter
- 1 egg
- Salt
- Nutmeg
Instructions:
1️⃣ Heat the Milk: In a pot, add the milk, salt, nutmeg, and butter. Bring the milk to a boil.
2️⃣ Add the Semolina: Gradually sprinkle in the semolina while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot as a dense lump.
3️⃣ Cool the Mixture: Let the semolina mixture cool down.
4️⃣ Incorporate the Egg: Once cooled, beat in 1 or 2 eggs, depending on the desired consistency.
5️⃣ Form Dumplings: Using two teaspoons (or tablespoons, depending on the desired size of your dumplings), form small dumplings and drop them into a pot of hot water. To make it easier, dip the spoons into a cup of hot water after each dumpling is formed.
6️⃣ Cook the Dumplings: Let the dumplings simmer for about 10 minutes. Once they float to the surface, they are ready.
Tip: For extra flavor, you can also cook the dumplings directly in broth. I prefer boiling them in salted water, then adding them to the broth just before serving to prevent the broth from becoming cloudy due to falling semolina particles.
Variations: You can add a pinch of curry or turmeric instead of nutmeg for a different flavor. For a savory twist, finely grated cheese, finely chopped ham, a sprinkle of paprika, or various herbs can be added to the dumpling mixture.
FAQs for Grandma’s Fantastic Semolina Dumplings
1. Can I use instant semolina instead of regular semolina?
Yes, instant semolina works as well, but it may change the texture slightly. Regular semolina gives a better consistency for dumplings.
2. Can I use a different type of milk?
You can substitute cow’s milk with almond, oat, or other non-dairy alternatives. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.
3. Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze the formed dumplings and cook them from frozen.
4. Can I make these dumplings without eggs?
While eggs help bind the mixture and give it structure, you can try substituting with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) or another egg replacer. However, the texture may be slightly different.
5. Can I add other seasonings to the dumplings?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
6. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they float to the surface of the water. This typically takes about 10 minutes of gentle simmering.
7. How can I serve these dumplings?
Semolina dumplings can be served in soups, broths, or even as a side dish to meat-based dishes. They pair especially well with a rich, savory broth.
8. Can I make these dumplings smaller or larger?
Absolutely! The size of the dumplings is up to you. Just keep in mind that larger dumplings may require a bit more time to cook. Adjust accordingly.
Enjoy experimenting with different variations to suit your tastes!
Enjoy your homemade semolina dumplings!