Feta Dumplings Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines the creamy richness of feta and ricotta with the fresh zing of dill, creating a flavor party in every bite. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making these little dumplings from scratch and then seeing them float in the pot like buoyant little clouds ready to be golden-browned to perfection!

I adore blending the ultra-smooth and deliciously different flavors of feta and ricotta in my recipe for dumplings. These bites are so great because they really let the feta shine—not just any old feta, but the fabulously flavorful stuff made by our friends at Valbreso.

With only a few simple ingredients, like eggs and black pepper, they are a flavorful, knock-’em-dead, nutrient-rich treat.

Ingredients

Feta Cheese:
Rich in protein, with a zesty taste and luxurious texture.

Ricotta Cheese:
Even texture, smooth taste, good source of calcium.

Eggs:
Combine elements, work as a team player, enrich the community.

All-purpose Flour:
Offers a framework, has starches stuffed in them.

Fresh Dill:
Introduces zest, fragrance, and flavor without adding calories or fat.

Olive Oil:
Healthy fats amp up flavor, and they bring a Mediterranean vibe to this dish.

Garlic:
Optional, aromatic, and adds complexity and brightness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the feta cheese that has been crumbled, and the ricotta cheese. Whip until well blended.

2. Add the cheese mixture to the eggs and stir until fully incorporated.

3. Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing thoroughly to create a combined dough. The resulting consistency should be thick enough to form into balls, yet still slightly adhesive.

4. Mix in the finely minced fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all elements are evenly disseminated throughout the dough.

5. Using hands that are dusted lightly with flour, form the mixture into little dumplings, each roughly 1 inch round.

6. Place a big saucepan filled with warm water over high heat and cover it. Once it reaches a boil, you will have added enough energy to the water that its surface tension has been broken. Now, reduce the heat so the temperature no longer climbs but remains at—or just below—the boiling range.
Things get interesting once you have reached this near-boiling point.

7. Gently place the dumplings into the furious boiling water. Wait until they defy gravity and rise to the top in a buoyant bubble bath. Remove with a slot and set aside. The cook time should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dumpling skin or wrapper.

8. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

9. Minced garlic may be added to the skillet, and sautéed until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.

10. Place the cooked dumplings in the skillet and gently sauté them until they are golden brown all around. Serve warm with more dill as a garnish, if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Whisk or electric mixer
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Large saucepan with lid
6. Slotted spoon
7. Frying pan
8. Knife
9. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?Indeed, a similar, crumbly cheese can be used in the place of feta; for example, goat cheese or queso fresco. But this substitution alters the flavor slightly.
• Is it necessary to include the dill?You can omit the dill or replace it with other herbs, such as parsley or chives, if you prefer. It is not crucial to the recipe. Replacing and omitting can be arranged for any herbs to make this recipe any day. This wording is at the preferred place in the list format to maintain the essence of the original recipe. The list is just skirting around the crucial no-dill prescription.
• Can I make these dumplings gluten-free?Indeed, you can substitute gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour in order to make them free of gluten.
• How should I cook the dumplings?A mixture of olive oil and butter yields a golden brown, crispy crust on the pan-fried dumplings. Boil them for a softer, more delicate texture.
• How do I store the leftovers?If there are leftover dumplings, they should be stored in a refrigerator; that’s the first step. So, you take the leftover dumplings and put them in an airtight container. Put that in the fridge. They will be fine for 3 days. After that, you might want to think about your life choices, reheat the dumplings, and eat them.
• Can I freeze the dumplings?You can freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, and then, once they are frozen solid, transfer them into a bag. Whenever you require some dumplings, just take them out of the freezer and cook them up!

Substitutions and Variations

Goat cheese can be substituted for feta that has been crumbled, producing a slightly less dry and more creamy cheese with a tangy flavor.
For a lower-fat option, replace ricotta cheese with cottage cheese.
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Why do that? For one, for added fiber, and for another, because you like the slightly nutty taste in your baked goods.
Substituting fresh dill for fresh parsley or chives gives a different herbal flavor.
Sunflower oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, yielding a more neutral-flavored outcome.

Pro Tips

1. Drain the Ricotta Before combining the cheeses, consider draining the ricotta in a fine mesh sieve for about 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a firmer dumpling texture.

2. Flour Your Hands Keep your hands lightly floured when forming the dumplings. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to form uniform shapes.

3. Test a Dumpling Before boiling the entire batch, test a single dumpling to make sure it holds together and has the desired texture. This allows you to adjust flour or seasoning if necessary.

4. Use a Slotted Spoon When removing the dumplings from the boiling water, use a slotted spoon to allow the water to drain off easily. This helps maintain the dumplings’ shape and texture.

5. Infuse the Oil If time allows, infuse the olive oil with garlic and dill in the pan before adding the dumplings. This enhances the flavor profile of the finished dish. Make sure not to burn the garlic by keeping the heat at medium or medium-low.