Plate of homemade farmer cheese dumplings drizzled with sauce.

Farmer Cheese Dumplings

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Farmer Cheese Dumplings are a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. These soft dumplings, nestled in a savory chicken broth, make for a hearty meal. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. With the rich flavors of chicken and the creamy texture of farmer’s cheese, this recipe is sure to please everyone.

How to Make Farmer Cheese Dumplings

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup farmer’s cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix in the flour and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the diced carrots and celery, then bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and maintain a steady simmer, adding thyme leaves if using, and let it cook until the gravy thickens, about 45 minutes.
  4. For the dumplings, combine the farmer’s cheese, egg, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the self-rising flour until you have a stiff batter.
  5. Increase the heat to medium and add the green onions to the gravy. Form the dumpling batter into ovals and drop them into the simmering broth.
  6. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the dumplings simmer without stirring for about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Serve and enjoy your Farmer Cheese Dumplings!

How to Serve Farmer Cheese Dumplings

Serve the Farmer Cheese Dumplings hot in bowls. Ladle the rich chicken gravy over the dumplings for a comforting meal. You can garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs for added flavor and a pop of color.

How to Store Farmer Cheese Dumplings

If you have leftovers, let the dumplings cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Tips to Make Farmer Cheese Dumplings

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the dumplings in the pot while cooking; this allows them to steam properly.
  • You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the cayenne pepper for additional heat.
  • If you want a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour when preparing the chicken broth.

Variation

You can add different vegetables like peas or corn to the broth for extra flavor and nutrition. Additionally, try using different herbs, like parsley or dill, to switch up the taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese in the dumplings?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese if you don’t have farmer’s cheese.

2. Can I make the dumplings in advance?
It’s best to cook the dumplings fresh right before serving. However, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a couple of hours before using it.

3. What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
You can make your own self-rising flour by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to replace 1 cup of self-rising flour.