Preparation Time: 20 minutes Servings: 2 Complexity: Light
Lazy dumplings bring back fond memories of childhood. I recall my mother preparing them on days when we were short on time, and it seems many of my peers have similar stories. This simple dish is a favorite among kids, even those who aren’t big fans of cheese. Recently, I decided to give my childhood recipe a twist by adding lemon zest and a yogurt sauce. I’ll also share some tips to perfect this nostalgic dish.
By the way, have you discovered other dishes that picky kids enjoy? Sometimes, just a small change in presentation or a fun name can transform an ordinary recipe into a favorite.
How to Cook Perfect Lazy Dumplings
Choose the Right Cheese: For the best lazy dumplings, I prefer buying cheese from the bazaar. Through experimentation, I’ve found that homemade cheese works best. Always taste the cheese first to ensure it’s not sour. If using store-bought cheese, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid using too much flour, which can affect the flavor. Opt for cheese with 9% fat content.
Balance the Flavors: Lazy dumplings are inherently sweet, so a bit of sugar is added. However, a touch of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness.
Cook Properly: Dumplings need plenty of space to cook, so boil them in a large pot of water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water can enhance the flavor. Be careful not to overcook them.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
- 300 g cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 pinch salt (plus extra for the cooking water)
- 3 g lemon zest
For the Sauce:
- 200 g natural yogurt
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 sprigs of mint
Step-by-Step Recipe
Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients for both the dumplings and the yogurt sauce.
Prepare the Cheese: Rub 300 g of cheese through a sieve to ensure a smooth texture for the dumplings.
Grate Lemon Zest: Grate the zest from half a lemon.
Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine the cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, and an egg. Stir in 4 tbsp flour and knead until you have a smooth dough.
Shape the Dumplings: Dust a work surface with flour. Roll the dough into long tubes and cut into pieces of your preferred shape. Flatten each piece slightly and roll in flour.
Cook the Dumplings: Boil the dumpling pieces in a large pot of water for 2 minutes after they float to the surface.
Prepare the Sauce: While the dumplings are cooking, mix 200 g of natural yogurt with 1 tbsp powdered sugar and finely chopped mint leaves from 2 sprigs.
Serve: Serve the dumplings with the yogurt sauce.
Cooking these lazy dumplings is straightforward and brings a touch of nostalgia to any meal. Enjoy!