Description
Carlsbad Dumplings are a hearty and comforting dish made with a fluffy bread and egg mixture cooked in mugs submerged in boiling water. This classic recipe yields tender, flavorful dumplings perfect for serving with rich sauces or gravies, offering a unique take on traditional dumplings with an easy stovetop steaming method.
Ingredients
Dumpling Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (130 grams)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
- 3 tablespoons dried parsley
- 8 cups stale French baguette, cut into ½-inch cubes (260 grams)
For Preparation
- 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing mugs)
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour (for dusting mugs)
Instructions
- Prepare the dumplings mixture: In a large mixing bowl (6-quart/6-liter), combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 3 tablespoons dried parsley. Whisk these ingredients well until fully incorporated.
- Add the bread cubes: Stir in 8 cups of stale French baguette cubes until the bread is evenly coated with the flour and milk mixture, allowing the bread to absorb the wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Whip egg whites: Whisk 2 egg whites until soft peaks form, which typically takes about 1 to 2 minutes, adding lightness to the dumplings.
- Fold in egg whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the bread and flour mixture to maintain the airy texture.
- Prepare the mugs: Grease the sides and bottoms of heatproof mugs with 1 tablespoon of oil, then dust them with 2 teaspoons of flour for non-stick purposes. Use mugs that hold at least 8 ounces (240 ml), and you will need 3 to 4 mugs depending on their size.
- Fill the mugs: Spoon the dumpling mixture into the prepared mugs, pressing gently with a fork or spoon to fill any air gaps and evenly distribute the mixture.
- Prepare the pot: Select a wide, tall pot with a lid that fits all the mugs comfortably. Pour water into the pot until it reaches halfway up the sides of the mugs.
- Boil the dumplings: Place the mugs carefully in the pot, cover with a lid, and bring the water to a boil. You will hear the mugs lightly knocking on the pot bottom, which is normal.
- Simmer the dumplings: Lower the heat to medium-low and cook covered for 30 minutes. The dumplings are ready when they feel firm to the touch and slightly pull away from the sides of the mugs.
- Remove and cool: Turn off the heat. Using a kitchen towel to protect your hands, carefully remove the mugs from the boiling water and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Unmold the dumplings: Run a knife around the edges of each dumpling to loosen it from the mug. Invert the mugs, tapping them gently to release the dumplings.
- Slice and serve: Cut the dumplings into ½-inch (1.5 cm) slices and serve warm with plenty of rich sauce or gravy for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use stale French bread for better texture as fresh bread may make dumplings soggy.
- Garlic powder is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Ensure egg whites are whipped to soft peaks to lighten the dumpling texture.
- Make sure mugs are heatproof and have sufficient capacity to hold the mixture safely during boiling.
- These dumplings are best served with a rich gravy or sauce to complement their mild flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dumplings
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American