Avoid common pitfalls when making dumplings: A guide to success
11:18 AM EST, December 8, 2023
Although dumplings preparation seems straightforward, small mishaps can significantly affect the final product. Learn what to be aware of and what to avoid.
If dumpling making were a sport, they'd undoubtedly qualify for the Euro and already have the cup in their hands. December is typically the busiest time for making dumplings, meriting hundreds in some households. The secret lies in properly preparing the dough; ideally, it should be easy to roll out.
The simplicity of the dough might suggest it's foolproof. However, there are mistakes that can complicate the process, but, fortunately, they are also easy to avoid.
Should you add an egg to your pierogi dough?
If your aim is to achieve soft, delicate, and delicious dumplings' dough, it’s better to skip the egg. Adding it to the mix will result in a tougher and less elastic dough that is harder to knead, and rolling it will become quite challenging.
The recipe for dumplings' dough is indeed very simple and doesn't require any extra ingredients or processes.
- Approximately 1.1 lbs of wheat flour,
- Half a teaspoon of salt,
- 4 tablespoons of oil,
- A glass of hot water.
Begin by sifting the flour, then mix it with the salt and oil. Gradually start adding the hot water while kneading the dough.
Allow it some rest
Hand-kneading the dough can be quite strenuous, and over-kneading can lead to a tougher texture. Once the ingredients are well combined, allow the dough to rest in a bowl for about 30 minutes. This step will render it soft, pliable, and easily stretchable. Moreover, it can prevent the dough from shrinking while being rolled out.
Choose the right salt
It's easy to go overboard with salt; this applies not only when seasoning the filling or cooking the dumplings, but also when adding it to the dough. Not all types of salt will work well with flour. Coarse-grain salt can result in the dough tearing during the kneading, rolling, or cooking processes. A safer choice would be to use fine salt, or to dissolve the salt in the hot water before mixing it with the other ingredients.
