Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amish-Style Tomato Dumplings Delight?
It is a traditional Amish comfort dish featuring soft, pillowy dumplings simmered in a savory, seasoned tomato sauce with onions and celery.
What are the main ingredients for the tomato sauce?
The sauce is made from unsalted butter, finely chopped onion, minced celery, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
How long does it take to cook the dumplings?
The dumplings need to cook undisturbed in a covered Dutch oven for about 20 minutes on low heat.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe to maintain the proper flavor balance.
Why is it important not to lift the lid while cooking?
Keeping the lid closed ensures that the steam stays trapped, which is necessary for the dumplings to cook through evenly and remain light and fluffy.
Is this tomato dumpling recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is classified as a vegetarian vegetable dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including the juices.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this recipe, including seasonings and dairy.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 8.8 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this dish provide any protein?
Yes, each serving provides about 1.9 grams of protein.
What size should the dumplings be when dropped into the sauce?
You should use a greased tablespoon to drop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the simmering mixture.
How much space should be left between the dumplings?
It is recommended to leave about 1/2 inch of space between each dumpling to allow them to expand as they cook.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?
While fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried parsley, though you should use about one-third of the amount.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the sauce?
The brown sugar helps to balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes and adds a slight depth of flavor.
How do I know when the onions and celery are ready?
Cook them in melted butter for about 3 minutes until they become translucent.
What type of flour is best for the dumplings?
The recipe specifies all-purpose flour for the best dumpling consistency.
Does the recipe require an egg?
Yes, one large, lightly beaten egg is mixed into the dumpling batter.
What kind of milk is used in the dumplings?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of whole milk.
Should the tomato mixture be boiling when adding the batter?
The mixture should be at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, before you drop in the batter.
How much baking powder is needed?
You will need 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to help the dumplings rise.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, its mild, comforting flavors and soft texture make it a great choice for children.
What should the texture of the dumplings be?
They should be soft, pillowy, and firm enough to hold their shape after 20 minutes of steaming.
How is the dish garnished?
It is traditionally served warm with a sprinkle of extra fresh minced parsley on top.
Can I prepare the dumpling batter in advance?
It is best to mix the batter just before cooking, as the baking powder starts reacting with the liquid immediately.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm as a comforting family meal or as a center-piece for a potluck.
Can I add other vegetables like carrots?
While not in the original Amish-style recipe, you can add finely diced carrots during the sautรฉing stage for extra nutrition.
Why is a Dutch oven recommended?
A Dutch oven provides even heat distribution and has a heavy lid that is perfect for steaming dumplings.
What makes this 'Amish-style'?
This recipe is inspired by traditional Amish cooking which focuses on farm-fresh ingredients and hearty, simple comfort foods.