Olivia Carter
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals? Do you want to try something new and exciting? Well, look no further! In this article, we will teach you how to cook breaded dumplings in a slow cooker. Yes, you heard it right – a slow cooker! This versatile kitchen appliance will do all the hard work for you, while you sit back and relax.
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade dumplings. The soft and fluffy dough, paired with a savoury filling, is a match made in heaven. Traditionally, dumplings are boiled or steamed, but using a slow cooker brings a whole new level of convenience to the table.
So, how do you make these mouthwatering breaded dumplings in a slow cooker? It’s easier than you think! First, you need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and your choice of filling. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetables, the choice is entirely up to you.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the dough. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten them on a floured surface. Now, it’s time to add the filling!
What Are Breaded Dumplings?
Breaded dumplings are a delicious and comforting dish that originated in European cuisine. They are typically made from a mixture of bread crumbs, flour, and seasonings, which are then formed into small dumpling shapes and cooked until golden and crispy.
These dumplings are often used as a topping or side dish for soup or stew, adding a satisfying crunch and texture to the meal. They can also be served as a standalone dish, paired with a dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own.
Ingredients for Breaded Dumplings:
To make breaded dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:
- Bread crumbs
- Flour
- Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, and herbs)
- Eggs
- Water or milk
Preparation:
Start by combining the bread crumbs, flour, and seasonings in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and water/milk. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms.
Next, shape the batter into small dumplings using your hands or a spoon. The size and shape can vary depending on your preference, but aim for bite-sized portions that will cook evenly.
Once the dumplings are formed, they can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is to deep fry them until crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven or cook them on the stovetop in a skillet with a bit of oil.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, breaded dumplings are best served hot and fresh. They make a great addition to soups, stews, or any dish in need of a delicious and crunchy topping.
Why Cook Breaded Dumplings in Slow Cooker?
Cooking breaded dumplings in a slow cooker has many advantages. It allows the dumplings to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful texture. The slow cooker also helps to retain moisture, ensuring that the dumplings stay moist and juicy.
Using a slow cooker for cooking breaded dumplings is also convenient. You can prepare the dumplings ahead of time and then simply place them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This makes it a great option for busy days or when you want to have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort.
In addition, cooking breaded dumplings in a slow cooker frees up your stovetop and oven for other dishes. This is particularly useful when you’re cooking a large meal or hosting a dinner party. With the slow cooker, you can easily cook the dumplings alongside other dishes and have everything ready at the same time.
Lastly, cooking breaded dumplings in a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and meld together over time. The dumplings will absorb the flavors of the cooking liquid and any additional ingredients, resulting in a more complex and delicious dish.
Preparation
Before you begin cooking breaded dumplings in a slow cooker, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure a successful and delicious outcome.
Gather the Ingredients
First, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the recipe. You will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2/3 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 egg
- Bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce or dipping sauce of your choice
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Coat the Dumplings
After the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin sheet. Using a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut out circles from the dough. Take each circle and place a teaspoon of your desired filling in the center. Fold the circle in half, pinching the edges together to seal the filling inside.
Once all the dumplings are formed, pour some bread crumbs onto a plate. Roll each dumpling in the bread crumbs, coating it evenly. This will give your dumplings a nice crispy texture when cooked.
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can skip the bread crumbs and instead brush the dumplings with a little oil before cooking.
Now that you have prepared the breaded dumplings, you are ready to cook them in your slow cooker. Follow the instructions in the next section to learn how to cook them to perfection.
Gathering Ingredients
Before you start cooking breaded dumplings in a slow cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
1. Dumplings:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/4 cup of melted butter
– 2 eggs
2. Breading mixture:
– 1 cup of bread crumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
3. Cooking liquid:
– 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup of melted butter
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Make sure to check your pantry and fridge for these ingredients before you start cooking. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother and enjoyable. Once you have everything gathered, you can move on to the next steps of the recipe.
Preparing the Dumpling Dough
Before you can cook breaded dumplings in a slow cooker, you need to prepare the dough. Here’s how:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1/2 cup of milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 15-30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
Once your dumpling dough is prepared, you can proceed with breading and cooking the dumplings in your slow cooker. Follow the recipe instructions for the specific type of breaded dumplings you are making.
Cooking Process
1. Prepare the slow cooker by lining it with a slow cooker liner or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
3. In a separate shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings.
4. Dip each dumpling into the egg wash, making sure to coat it completely.
5. Roll the dumpling in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the dumpling.
6. Place the breaded dumplings into the prepared slow cooker, spacing them evenly.
7. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the dumplings are cooked through and golden brown.
8. Serve the breaded dumplings hot with your choice of dipping sauce or gravy.
9. Enjoy!
Coating the Dumplings
Coating the dumplings is an important step in the cooking process. It adds a flavorful and crispy outer layer to the dumplings, making them even more delicious.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to coat the dumplings:
- Prepare the coating mixture by combining breadcrumbs, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Take one dumpling at a time and dip it into the coating mixture, making sure that it is fully coated. Use your hands to press the coating onto the dumpling to ensure it sticks well.
- Place the coated dumpling onto a plate or baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each dumpling.
- Repeat the process until all the dumplings are coated.
- Once all the dumplings are coated, you can either refrigerate them for later use or proceed with the cooking process.
Coating the dumplings is an extra step that enhances the overall texture and taste. It is well worth the effort and will take your slow cooker breaded dumplings to the next level!
Placing Dumplings in Slow Cooker
Once you have prepared your breaded dumplings, it’s time to place them in the slow cooker for cooking. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Before placing the dumplings in the slow cooker, make sure it is clean and in good working condition. Give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. Then, place the cooker on a stable surface, away from any flammable items.
Step 2: Grease the Slow Cooker
Greasing the slow cooker will prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom. You can use cooking spray or a small amount of oil to grease the cooking surface. Make sure to distribute the grease evenly to avoid any uneven cooking or browning.
Step 3: Arrange the Dumplings
Place the breaded dumplings in a single layer on the greased surface of the slow cooker. If you have a large batch of dumplings, you may need to stack them, but try to avoid overcrowding the cooker. Leave some space between the dumplings to allow for even cooking.
Step 4: Add Liquid
To ensure tender and moist dumplings, you will need to add a liquid to the slow cooker. This can be in the form of broth, stock, or water. The amount of liquid you add will depend on the recipe, but generally, you want enough to cover the bottom of the slow cooker, up to about half the height of the dumplings.
Step 5: Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to the desired cooking time and temperature. Cooking times can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the dumplings, so refer to your specific recipe for instructions. As a general guideline, most breaded dumplings will take around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat to cook fully.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
To check if the dumplings are cooked through, you can use a toothpick or a small knife to insert into the center of a dumpling. If it comes out clean with no raw batter, then the dumplings are done. If not, continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes and check again.
Once the dumplings are cooked, they are ready to be served and enjoyed. Remove them from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid any excess liquid. Serve hot as a main dish or as a side to accompany your favorite meal.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Breaded Dumplings | 1. Prepare the slow cooker.
2. Grease the slow cooker. 3. Arrange the dumplings. 4. Add liquid. 5. Set cooking time. 6. Check for doneness. 7. Serve and enjoy! |
| Liquid (broth, stock, or water) | – |
Cooking Time and Temperature
When it comes to cooking breaded dumplings in a slow cooker, it’s important to get the cooking time and temperature just right. This will ensure that the dumplings are cooked through and have a crispy, golden exterior.
The cooking time for breaded dumplings in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the dumplings and the specific slow cooker you are using. However, a general guideline is to cook the dumplings on low heat for 4 to 6 hours.
The temperature for cooking breaded dumplings in a slow cooker should be set to low. This allows the dumplings to cook slowly and evenly without becoming too dry or overcooked. Cooking on low heat also helps to retain the moisture in the dumplings, resulting in tender and flavorful dumplings.
If you prefer a slightly crispier exterior on your breaded dumplings, you can finish them off by transferring them to a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes. This will give them a nice golden color and a bit of crunch.
Tips for Cooking Breaded Dumplings in a Slow Cooker:
- Make sure to coat the dumplings evenly with breadcrumbs before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker, as this can prevent the dumplings from cooking evenly.
- If you are using frozen dumplings, make sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking them in the slow cooker.
- Check the dumplings for doneness before removing them from the slow cooker. They should be cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
By following these tips and adjusting the cooking time and temperature to your specific slow cooker, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked breaded dumplings every time.
Questions and answers
What ingredients do I need to cook breaded dumplings in a slow cooker?
To cook breaded dumplings in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients: bread crumbs, flour, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and your choice of filling (such as minced meat or vegetables).
Can I use gluten-free bread crumbs for breaded dumplings?
Yes, if you have a gluten intolerance, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs to make breaded dumplings. You can easily find gluten-free bread crumbs in most supermarkets or health food stores.
How long does it take to cook breaded dumplings in a slow cooker?
The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your dumplings, but generally, it takes about 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low to cook breaded dumplings in a slow cooker. It’s important to check them occasionally to avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze the breaded dumplings before cooking them in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded dumplings before cooking them in a slow cooker. After breading the dumplings, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to cook them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before placing them in the slow cooker.
What can I serve with breaded dumplings cooked in a slow cooker?
Breaded dumplings can be served with a variety of dishes. Some popular options include serving them with a side of steamed vegetables, a salad, or a creamy sauce. You can also enjoy them on their own as a main course.
