Newfoundland Dough Boys Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy Newfoundland kitchen on a stormy evening, warming up with a bowl of soup or stew, then you simply have to try these iconic Newfoundland Dough Boys. Fluffy, pillowy, and irresistibly tender, these classic dumplings are the crowning touch to any bubbling pot of stew, soaking up flavors while delivering a subtle richness all their own. Newfoundland Dough Boys have filled hungry bellies for generations and are the very heart of East Coast comfort food, turning a humble meal into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Newfoundland Dough Boys lies in their simplicity—no complicated ingredients, just pantry staples that transform when combined just right. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature light and fluffy dumpling texture.
- Flour: The foundation of your dough, all-purpose flour gives these dumplings their soft, delicate crumb.
- Baking powder: Essential for lift, so your dough boys puff up airy instead of staying dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch is all it takes to bring out the flavor and keep the taste perfectly balanced.
- Butter: Worked in by hand, it adds that subtle richness and helps create a tender bite.
- Milk or water: Choose milk for extra softness or water for a lighter touch—both work beautifully for the dough boys.
How to Make Newfoundland Dough Boys
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, so every bite of your Newfoundland Dough Boys is just as soft and tender as the last. Give it a quick whisk or stir to blend well.
Step 2: Work in the Butter
Drop in the tablespoon of butter and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to rub it into the dry ingredients. You’re looking for a crumbly texture, almost like coarse sand with a few pea-sized bits of butter still visible. This old-fashioned step ensures lovely, fluffy dumplings once cooked.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the milk or water (plus up to 2 tablespoons more for extra softness if you prefer). Gently mix until just combined and you have a dough that is soft but not sticky—think biscuit dough, not bread dough. The key is minimal handling to keep those Newfoundland Dough Boys light!
Step 4: Shape and Drop
Using a spoon, scoop up the dough and drop portions (you should get 6 to 8 dumplings) directly into your simmering soup or stew. Don’t fuss about perfect shapes—the rustic look is exactly what you want!
Step 5: Steam to Perfection
Cover the pot tightly and lower the heat, making sure your dish is gently simmering, not at a rolling boil (which can make the dumplings fall apart). Let the Newfoundland Dough Boys steam undisturbed for a full 20 minutes—this gives them their dreamy, fluffy texture. When the timer is up, resist the urge to peek too soon; keeping the cover on is crucial!
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After 20 minutes, remove the lid and let the dumplings sit uncovered for 5 minutes. This simple step sets their structure and prevents them from becoming soggy. Scoop one or two Newfoundland Dough Boys into each bowl and get ready for a true taste of homey satisfaction!
How to Serve Newfoundland Dough Boys
Garnishes
You can elevate your Newfoundland Dough Boys with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a grind of black pepper, or even finely diced green onions. For a little East Coast flair, try a pat of butter melting on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
While these fluffy dumplings pair perfectly with rich beef stew or a savory chicken soup, you can round out your meal with a side of crisp green salad, pickled beets, or warm crusty bread for an incredibly satisfying supper.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have a little fun, serve your Newfoundland Dough Boys in mini cocottes or mugs for an individual touch, or try layering them over a thick seafood stew for a Maritime surprise. If you have leftovers, split them and fill with tender pulled meat for a quick savory sandwich twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Newfoundland Dough Boys should be removed from the soup or stew once cool and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days and are great reheated with a spoonful of gravy or broth poured over the top.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these dumplings! Let your Newfoundland Dough Boys cool completely, then arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. Once firm, transfer to a bag or container and freeze for up to one month. Just make sure to freeze them separate from the stew for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply steam the dumplings over gently simmering water or drop them into hot soup and cover briefly until warmed through. A microwave works in a pinch—just place a damp paper towel over the dough boys so they stay moist.
FAQs
Can I make Newfoundland Dough Boys with whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! While classic Newfoundland Dough Boys use all-purpose flour for maximum fluffiness, you can substitute half (or even all) with whole wheat for a heartier flavor and a bit more chew. Just add a splash more liquid if the dough feels too stiff.
Why did my dough boys turn out dense?
Dense dumplings are often the result of overmixing or overhandling the dough. For the best Newfoundland Dough Boys, handle the mixture as little as possible after adding the liquid, and make sure your pot stays at a gentle simmer while they cook.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can try making Newfoundland Dough Boys gluten-free by using a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. They may be slightly less fluffy, but they’ll still deliver that cozy, comforting vibe.
What if I don’t have butter?
If you’re out of butter, try using margarine or vegetable shortening. The flavor will be slightly different, but your Newfoundland Dough Boys will still be tender and delicious.
Do I need to cook them in stew, or can I use just broth?
While beef or chicken stew is the classic choice, you can absolutely cook Newfoundland Dough Boys in any simmering broth or soup. Just make sure the liquid is flavorful, since the dough boys will soak it all up!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, it’s time to treat yourself to a steaming serving of Newfoundland Dough Boys. Warm, fluffy, and steeped in tradition, they prove that sometimes the simplest recipes really do bring the most joy. Give them a try the next time you want to turn an everyday stew into an East Coast celebration—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
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Newfoundland Dough Boys Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 dumplings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy dumplings known as Newfoundland Dough Boys are a perfect addition to soups and stews. These soft and pillowy dumplings elevate any dish with their light texture and savory flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Boys
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup milk or water (+ 2 tablespoons for a softer dumpling)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in the butter until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add liquid: Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the milk or water, and gently mix until just combined.
- Form dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into simmering stew. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Serve: Let dumplings rest for 5 minutes before serving with soup or stew.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Newfoundland
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Newfoundland Dough Boys recipe, fluffy dumplings, soup dumplings, stew dumplings
