Dombolo, or South African dumplings, are a popular mainstay of South African cooking. These tasty dough balls are a filling and cozy dinner choice, especially when steamed and served with heavy stews and curries.
Dombolo is a culinary gem that captures the many cultures of South Africa with its fluffy texture and capacity to absorb the deep flavors of complementing meals.
Below you will learn step by step on how to make this simple South African dumplings recipe.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Dombolo, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 kg cake flour (approximately 8 cups)
10 ml salt (2 teaspoons)
10 ml sugar (2 teaspoons)
60 g margarine (approximately 4 tablespoons)
10 g Anchor Instant Yeast (1 packet)
625 ml lukewarm water (approximately 2½ cups)
Equipment Needed
To prepare this recipe, you will require some basic kitchen equipment:
Mixing bowl
Large pot with a lid
Wooden spatula or spoon
Measuring spoons
A heatproof bowl or steaming rack (if using an alternative steaming method)
South African Dumplings Recipe
Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing basin, start by combining the cake flour, sugar, and salt. Your dumplings’ base is made of this combination.
To the flour mixture, add the margarine. Work the margarine into the flour with your fingertips until it takes on the consistency of breadcrumbs. If you want your dumplings to have a light texture, this step is essential.
To guarantee even distribution, sprinkle the Anchor Instant Yeast on top of the mixture and whisk it in.
Using your hands or a wooden spatula, mix in the lukewarm water gradually. Until a soft dough is formed, keep adding water. The dough should be soft but not sticky, so take care not to make it too rigid.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for approximately ten minutes, or until it is elastic and smooth. Gluten is produced during this process, which contributes to the desired fluffy texture of Dombolo.
After kneading, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or greased plastic wrap and allow it to rest for approximately five minutes.
Shaping and steaming the dumplings
Once the dough has rested, form it into smooth balls by pinching out little pieces that are around the size of a golf ball.
Before adding the dumplings, make sure the stew or curry you’re making to go with your Dombolo has been cooking for at least 45 minutes.
Place the formed dumplings over the bubbling stew with caution. To properly steam, make sure they are sitting above the liquid and not immersed.
Place a lid on the saucepan and steam for another 15 to 20 minutes without taking the lid off during cooking.
An alternate method of steaming
If you would rather not steam your stew directly:
Pour roughly 2 inches of water into a big pot and heat to a medium simmer.
To provide a platform for your dumplings, place a steaming rack or heatproof bowl inside the pot upside down.
On top of this platform, arrange your formed dumplings so they don’t come into contact with the water.
Place a lid on the pot and steam it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
Tips for the Perfect South African Dumplings Recipe
It takes attention to detail to create the ideal Dombolo:
Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is soft without being overly sticky; if necessary, add more flour or water.
Steaming Method: Don’t lift the lid during steaming because this lets steam out and can make the dumplings dense.
Enhancements to Flavor: For a fragrant twist, try incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your dough.
The Serving Suggestions
The best way to have dombolo is hot out of the pot, so its warmth may enhance any meal it goes with:
With Stew: For a genuine experience, serve with traditional South African stews like oxtail stew or bobotie stew.
With Curries: Serve with aromatic curries like vegetable or chicken curry, allowing each dish to absorb the mouthwatering sauces.
With Butter: A warm dumpling sliced open and topped with golden butter is a decadent delicacy that is sure to please!
Different Types of Dombolo
Even though regular Dombolo tastes great by itself, there are many other versions that are worth trying:
Herb-Infused Dumplings: To enhance the flavor of your dough, mix in some finely chopped herbs.
Cheese Dumplings: For cheesy delight, put grated cheese into the dough mixture.
Sweet Dumplings: To make sweet dumplings that go well with fruit preserves, try adding sugar and cinnamon as dessert options.
Conclusion
This South African dumplings recipe captures not only the essence of South African cuisine but also its rich cultural heritage through food sharing and community bonding.
Making Dombolo is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing people together around a table filled with love and warmth.
