American Blueberry Dumplings
Blueberry dumplings are a classic American dessert, particularly popular during the berry season. Its origins can be traced back to American rural kitchens, where simple ingredients like flour, fruit, and butter were used to create quick, nourishing, and comforting sweets. The natural tartness of the blueberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the soft dough dumplings, while the fruit sauce is rich and velvety. Technical tip: Do not lift the lid during cooking, as the steam ensures the dumplings have an airy texture. This dessert often graces family tables on summer evenings, but it can be enjoyed anytime as a quick yet special treat. It is best enjoyed fresh, when the dough is still warm and the blueberry sauce fills the kitchen with its fresh aroma.
Ingredients for this recipe
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Preparation Steps
1
In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and become syrupy. Tip: Gently crush some of the blueberries while stirring for a richer, thicker sauce.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir just until a soft dough forms. Tip: Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
3
Once the blueberry sauce is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot sauce. Cover the saucepan and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Tip: Do not lift the lid during cooking, as the dumplings need the steam to cook properly.
4
Check that the dumplings are cooked through. If so, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Tip: The sauce will thicken even further as it cools.
5
Serve warm, spooning plenty of the blueberry sauce over the dumplings. Garnish with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Tip: Leftovers are delicious the next day, gently reheated.
