Abbruzzese bread dumplings are a traditional Italian dish from the Abruzzo region in central Italy. This filling and delicious recipe is perfect for cold winter nights and can be served as a main dish or a side dish.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and can be found at any local grocery store. Here’s a list of what you need:
- 500g stale bread
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 handful of parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Flour for dusting
- Olive oil for frying
Preparation
Before you start preparing the recipe, there are a few things you need to do. The first thing is to cut the stale bread into small pieces and soak it in milk for a few hours. Once the bread has absorbed the milk, squeeze out any excess liquid and put the bread in a large mixing bowl.
Next, add the eggs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Shaping the Dumplings
After the mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape the dumplings. Dust your hands with a bit of flour to keep the mixture from sticking to your hands. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.
Place the dumplings on a lightly floured surface and set them aside until you’re ready to fry them.
Frying the Dumplings
Now comes the fun part – frying the dumplings! In a large frying pan, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dumplings to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them.
Fry the dumplings for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. Once they are cooked, remove the dumplings from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Abbruzzese bread dumplings can be served in a variety of ways. They can be served as a main dish with a tomato-based sauce or on their own as a side dish.
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve the dumplings over a bed of polenta or with some sautéed greens. They also pair well with a glass of red wine.
Conclusion
Abbruzzese bread dumplings are a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for cold winter nights. This traditional Italian recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that are readily available.
Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or side dish, these delicious dumplings are sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Valuable Tips When Making Abruzzese Bread Dumplings Recipes
Italian cuisine is known for its delectable and rich flavors, and Abruzzese bread dumplings are one of its most popular dishes. These tasty and filling dumplings are made with simple ingredients, including bread, eggs, cheese, and herbs. While making these traditional bread dumplings, here are some valuable tips that you can follow to ensure that your dish turns out to be a success.
1. Use the Right Sort of Bread.
The first and the most crucial step to make a perfect Abruzzese bread dumpling is using the right sort of bread. The ideal bread type for preparing these dumplings is crusty Italian bread, or you may opt for baguette or ciabatta. Ensure that the bread is a day or two old, as it is drier and more hardened, making it easier to crumble without losing structural integrity.
2. Cut the Bread into Small Pieces.
When preparing the bread, it is crucial to crumble it into tiny pieces. This will help you make soft and moist dumplings. If the bread is not cut small enough, it might end up making tough and chewy dumplings. It is better to break the bread up with your hands rather than using a bread knife to cut it.
3. Soak the Bread in Milk or Water.
Before beginning the actual process of making Abruzzese bread dumplings, you need to soak the breadcrumb mixture in hot milk or warm water. This will help soften the bread and prevent your dumplings from turning out to be dry or tough. Ensure that the breadcrumbs have absorbed all the liquid before moving forward to the next step.
4. Use Good Quality Cheese.
Good quality cheese is essential in making scrumptious Abruzzese bread dumplings. You can use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese to give your dumplings an authentic Italian flavor. Grate the cheese freshly before use to ensure its quality and freshness.
5. Do Not Overmix the Ingredients.
It is essential not to overmix the ingredients while making the dough for the dumplings. Overworking the dough will make it dense and tough, leaving you with unpleasant dumplings. Only mix the ingredients until they are just combined and avoid kneading the dough.
6. Form Small Balls of Dough.
When forming the dough into balls, ensure that the balls are small and compact. This will not only make the dumplings easier to cook but also prevent them from falling apart while boiling. Too large of balls can end up creating denser dumplings.
7. Boil the Dumplings in Salted Water.
Although it already involves soaking the concoction in hot milk or warm water, you still have to boil the dumplings in salty water just until they sink to the bottom of the pot. The mixture will expand during cooking, making it crucial to have enough space in your pot.
8. Be Gentle While Cooking the Dumplings.
Abruzzese bread dumplings are delicate, and too much agitation while cooking can break them apart. Make sure to use a gentle and slotted ladle while boiling the dumplings to avoid any mishaps.
9. Serve the Dumplings Hot.
Once you have cooked the Abruzzese bread dumplings, it is essential to serve them hot. The flavors and texture of the dish are at their best when the dumplings are served hot. You can serve them with some freshly grated cheese or tomato sauce.
10. Add Herbs and Spices to Enhance the Flavor.
Traditional Abruzzese bread dumplings recipe calls for the use of herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme to enhance the flavor of the dish. Besides, spices like nutmeg, salt, and black pepper will bring the ingredients together and improve the taste of the dish.
In conclusion, to create perfect Abruzzese bread dumplings, you must use the right ingredients, ensure they are of good quality, and take the time to combine them carefully. By following these valuable tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Italian dish that your family and friends will love.
