Doughballs (Dumplings) for Stew Recipe

Whether you call then doughballs or dumplings, this Doughballs (Dumplings) for Stew Recipe will serve you well whether you’re slow cooking them, simmering them on the hob or baking them in the oven!

My preferred way of cooking them is absolutely in the oven, so you achieve that chewy top! The texture is a perfect contrast to the warming goodness of stew or mince.

Ingredients For Dumplings For Stew

Self Raising Flour: I use self-raising as it already includes a raising agent, which helps make the dumplings extra light and fluffy. 

Plain flour (all-purpose) can be used alongside 1 teaspoon of baking powder instead if needed. And I’ve even used bread flour before when I was caught out and they turned out fine!

Beef Suet: I use ATORA beef suet as it’s traditional, and this is a really well known brand in the UK.

I’m unsure if you’d be eating Mince and Dumplings if you’re vegetarian, but just in case you’re adapting my recipe with a meat substitute, like Quorn mince, then vegetable suet is also available. 

Salt

How To Make Doughballs (Dumplings) For Stew

  1. Mix together all ingredients for doughballs/dumplings together until the dough forms a shaggy clump

    2. Keep working it together until it becomes a smooth ball (see photos above for reference)

    3. Shape into 6-8 balls before dropping into the pot of mince or stew.

    I like to weigh the dough – this means I can evenly divide it into 8 doughballs of equal volume. 

    Total weight of dough (215g) / 8 = 26.875g

    So I know I was aiming for approximate weight of 26g or 27g per dough ball. 

    I roll the dough into a sausage shape and cut it into 8 rough sections before weighing each individually to the correct weight. This isn’t necessary, but will ensure they’re uniform and cook evenly.

    4. To cook the doughballs:

    Either simmer in the mince / stew for approx 30 minutes (turning over half way)

    OR bake in the oven for a chewy crispy finish

    OR you can slow cook them as well.

    FAQs

    Can you make these vegetarian?

    Yes – just use vegetable suet instead – ATORA have a vegetable alternative.

    What Can You Make With Dumplings (Doughballs)?

    Why not try homemade dumplings in:

    Mince and Dumplings

    Stewed Sausages

    And finally…

    If you do choose to make it, I hope you enjoy it!

    If you have any other questions, or want to tell me what you think of my recipe, then please leave a comment or review below!

    Dumplings For Stew Recipe

    In case you only need a recipe for doughballs (or dumplings) – then this blog post will provide a step by step guide for you. Enjoy the fluffy, soft, pillowy goodness!
    No ratings yet
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Cuisine Scottish
    Servings 4
    Calories 197 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 100 g self raising flour
    • 50 g ATORA beef suet
    • pinch salt
    • 6 tbsp water

    Instructions
     

    • Mix together all ingredients for doughballs (100 g self raising flour, 50 g ATORA beef suet, pinch salt, 6 tbsp water) together until the dough forms a shaggy clump
    • Keep working it together until it becomes a smooth ball (see photos above for reference)
    • Shape into 6-8 balls before dropping into the pot of mince or stew
    • Either simmer in the mince / stew for approx 30 minutes (turning over half way) or bake in the oven for a chewy crispy finish
    • Turn the doughballs over then simmer for a further 10mins
    • Optional: you can stick the mince and doughballs into the oven in a oven-safe dish to make the tops of the doughballs crispy/chewy

    Nutrition

    Calories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 3mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 1IUCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword doughballs for mince, doughballs recipe, dumplings for stew, dumplings recipe, Scottish Food, Scottish Recipes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    2 responses

    1. Quick question…..why the beef suet? I use in my Christmas pudding recipe so am not unfamiliar with using it, but wondering what it does for the doughballs.

      tks
      Cheryl

      1. hey Cheryl, it’s just how my family have always made them – quite a traditional application for it I think 🙂 at least in Glasgow

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Welcome To Laurens Cravings

    I'm passionate about using real ingredients to make food taste the best it possibly can! And I want to convince YOU why using fresh, quality products can pay dividends in the final results.

    Recently Added Recipes

    Looking for a specific recipe?

    Keep Up To Date

    Fancy getting the latest recipes and kitchen tricks straight to your inbox? Sign up now and become part of our food-loving community. No spam, just hearty home-cooking inspiration!