South African Dumpling Recipe

History

The South African culinary delight, Dombolo, is a highly loved dish with significant cultural importance. It derives its name from the Nguni language group, which translates to dumplings in English.

These comforting bread-like delicacies are eaten in different forms across South Africa. People call it by different names: dumplings in Zimbabwe and madombi in Botswana.

While it is tricky to know its exact evolution, there’s one thing for sure: Over the years, dumpling has made a place for itself in the hearts of South Africans and beyond. Today, it is a staple for many households.

Nutritional Facts

This South African dumpling recipe will serve four and has the following nutritional value:

1. Sugar: About 1 gram
2. Fat: About 2 grams
3. Carbohydrates: Approximately 85 grams
4. Protein: Roughly 12 grams
5. Fiber: About 3 grams
6. Calories: Approximately 410 kcal.

The South African dumplings are a low-fat food. They have a high carb content, making them a hugely satiating dish. Further, Dombolo has a good protein content but is low in sugar. But if you are watching your carbs and calorie intake, please keep a check on the portion size.

Ingredients

You will need these for your South African recipe:

• 2 tbsp. sugar.
• 2 tbsp. melted butter.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour.
• Water for steaming.
• 2 tsp baking powder.
• 1 cup milk.
• 1/2 tsp salt.

Instructions

Dumplings are a flavourful addition to your meal. It is a celebration of the culinary heritage of South Africa. Its pillowy and soft texture makes it a comforting treat loved by people across all age groups. So, gather your ingredients and follow the step-by-step instructions of this South African food recipe. You will love its delectable taste as you enjoy it with friends and family. 

Step 1: Get the Steamer Ready

• Take a large pot.
• Fill it with 2 inches of water.
• Keep the heatproof bowl or steaming rack upside down on the pot.

Now, your platform to steam the dumpling is ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Take a mixing bowl.
• Add baking powder and all-purpose flour to it.
• Now add salt and sugar.
• Mix well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Form a well in the centre and add all the dry ingredients.
• Add melted butter.
• Pour milk.
• Mix well unless it forms a soft dough.

Tip: Please do not overmix, and leave the dough just combined well.

Step 4: Shape the Dumpling

• Lightly flour the hands.
• Clean the surface.
• Take a small portion of your dough.
• Roll it into a smooth ball. 
• Stop once it is round and golf-ball size.
• Continue the process with the remaining dough.

Step 5: Steam the Dumpling

• Take an inverted heatproof bowl or the steaming rack. 
• Place the shaped dumpling on it. 
• Transfer to the pot.
• Cover it with a tight-fitting lid. It ensures the steam is not trapped.
• Steam the dumplings. 
• Leave for 20-25 minutes.
• Take them off once they are fluffy. 

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Take a slotted spoon or tongs.

• Remove the steamed dumpling from the pot.
• Serve the dumpling as a savoury meal or a delicious side dish with your favourite curries or stew.

Tips to Make this South African Food Recipe Better

1. Customize the dumpling by adding grated cheese, spices, or herbs. It will add more flavour to the dough.
2. Experiment with the dumpling size and shape them as per your preference.
3. While steaming, ensure the water in the pot does not touch the dumpling.
4. Allow the steam to cook the dumpling slowly.
5. Use a metal or a bamboo steamer if available.
6. Add adequate flour to the kneading board and your hands to ensure your dumplings are not hard. It prevents it from sticking.
7. Oil the bowl with neutral cooking oil before keeping the kneaded dough in for proofing. It ensures the dough does not stick to the bowl.
8. Depending on how big you make the dumpling dough balls, serve them as a whole or cut them in half.
9. You can serve the dumplings with any stew of your liking. Beef stew and chicken potpie are great combinations.

Is It Healthy?

Studies suggest that steaming bread can lower its glycemic bread. Hence, it is a perfect snack for people with diabetes and other related diseases.

Further, metabolic findings suggest that baked bread is often beneficial for weight control for people who eat wheat flour-based items. On the contrary, steamed bread is suitable for people suffering from food shortages or malnutrition.

How to Store South African Dumplings?

1. Refrigerate them with the stew or separately within 2 hours. However, consume all the cooked dumplings within four days.
2. For freezing: 

• Arrange the dumplings on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid. 
• Keep the dumplings in a zip-lock bag or airtight container.
• You can store it for three months.
• When you wish to eat, cook them on a pot pie, stew, or in broth or water.

Best Occasions to Serve South African Dumplings

Fortunately, these dumplings are incredibly versatile. So, you can enjoy them in every meal setting. Traditionally, people relish them with curries and stews. People in South Africa and many parts of the world enjoy this traditional recipe during family gatherings and Sunday lunches. This South African food recipe has a comforting warmth, making it a popular choice during the colder months.

So, be it a formal dinner or a chilled-out barbeque, adding South African dumplings to the menu will be a people-pleaser. It can be a great addition to the festivities. So, serve it in your Christmas feasts alongside a hearty meat stew and enjoy a delicious holiday treat.

Recipes and Sides that Go Best with South African Dumplings

1. Mince Curry: The dish comprises solid flavours of the traditional mince curry complimented with the subtle taste of South African dumplings.
2. Oxtail Potjie: It is a hearty, rich stew comprising fall-off-the-bone oxtail, a perfect blend with the fluffy dumpling.
3. Vegetarian Lentil Curry: A lentil curry with dumplings is a good plant-based option. It is both satisfying and wholesome.
4. Lamb Shanks: It is a slow-cooked lamb shank in a red wine reduction served with Dombolo for a sumptuous delight.

Alternative Ingredients for South African Food Recipe

1. Coconut Sugar: A healthier and better option than regular sugar, coconut sugar can add a unique flavour to the dish.
2. Plant-Based Milk: Lactose intolerant or vegans can use plant-based milk in place of water for a creamier texture.
3. Whole Wheat Flour: Switch from plain flour to whole-wheat flour for a healthier output.
4. Gluten-free Flour: The gluten-free flour blend can be a better alternative if you want to avoid gluten.

Troubleshooting the Common Problems You May Encounter While Cooking Dumplings

Here are some problems you may encounter when making this South African dumpling recipe:

1. Dense Dumplings: Sometimes, your dumplings may be dense. If that happens, it probably means your dough has not risen enough. So, to avoid this mistake, give your dough ample time to rest in a warm place.
2. Not Rising in the Pot: Some complain that their dumplings won't puff up when cooking. Sadly, it happens when the yeast is inactive. Perform yeast proofing and check its expiration date before using.
3. Dumplings Falling Apart: When the dough is too wet, your dumplings may disintegrate in the pot. So, during the preparation, add slightly more flour.
4. The Mess: Cooking South African dumplings is often messy, especially if you are underprepared. The simplest way to clean this mess is using a dishwasher and Finish tablets. They can simplify the clean-up after your elaborate cooking experience. So:

• Load your used utensils, pans, and pots into the dishwasher. 
• Pop in a tablet. 
• Let the appliance work its magic. 

It will save time and effort and leave your kitchen spotless, allowing you to focus on the cooking without worrying about the clean-up.

The Aftermath 

Once you finish cooking dumplings, you will have to deal with a sticky mess. This residue is often stubborn and challenging to clean. Sadly, it also means you cannot enjoy your dumplings because cleaning them becomes even more complex if you let your utensils and pot dry. But with a reliable dishwasher, you can streamline the task.

These days, you will find many high-end dishwashers that do a decent job of removing tough stains, food particles, and grease. 

For this:

1. You require a detergent or dishwasher tablets and some hot water. 
2. Load the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and run a cycle. 
3. While the dishwasher does its job, you can enjoy your dumplings. 

It saves a lot of time and manual effort. However, not every dishwasher detergent will serve the purpose. So, invest in reliable dishwasher tablets or a cleaner to boost your dishwasher’s cleaning power. It will help you eliminate the toughest stains, even from the dumplings.

Advanced dishwasher tablets from reliable brands help tackle food residue, grime, and grease. They leave your dishes spotless. The tablets contain enzymes and cleaning agents to break down the stubborn stains and prevent redeposition on the utensils.

Cleaning Ritual

1. Gather up: Collect all the used dishes and utensils.
2. Remove Excess Food Leftovers: Scrape food off before placing dishes in the dishwasher to ensure a more thorough clean and prevent clogging.
3. Arrange in the dishwasher: Transfer the dishes to the dishwasher. 
4. Leave enough gap: Be mindful and ensure the arrangement is not crowded for smooth water circulation.
5. Insert the Tablet: Insert the dishwasher tablet into the dispenser or designated compartment.
6. Close the Lid.
7. Choose the Cycle: Pick the apt wash cycle based on the soiling level and the types of dishes.
8. Start the appliance: Press the start button, and the cleaning cycle will start.
9. Sit back and relax till the cycle completes.
10. Enjoy the result: Once your cycle completes, open the lid. 

You will see sparkling clean dishes.

Tip: If the dishes are heavily soiled, prefer an intensive cycle.

To Sum Up

So, roll your sleeves and make this culinary delight at home. The recipe is simple, but the aftermath may be painful sometimes. However, the task becomes straightforward by using a dishwasher and dishwasher tablets such as  for example Finish Quantum. So, next time, do not contemplate and make this recipe. 

References

• https://www.thespruceeats.com/madombi-dumplings-recipe-5071291
• https://southafricanrecipe.co.za/recipes/dombolo/
• https://eatmeerecipes.co.za/zulu-cuisine/dumplings-dombolo/