Dumplings are a broad classification of dishes made from pieces of dough (made from different sources of starch) wrapped around a filling or from the dough without filling. The dough can be based on bread, flour, or potatoes and can be stuffed with meat, fish, cheese, vegetables, fruits, or baked goods. Dumplings can be prepared in a variety of ways, including baking, boiling, frying, stewing, or steaming, and are used in many cuisines around the world.

The Banku and kenkey are called dumplings because they are starchy balls of steamed dough. They are formed from fermented corn porridge. Banku is boiled and constantly kneaded, and the kenkey is partially cooked and then steamed in corn or banana leaves.

Tihlo—prepared from roasted barley flour – originated in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, is now very popular in Amhara, and spreads further south.

Souskluitjies are dumplings found in South Africa. These are sweet dumplings that are steamed, sometimes made with plain flour and sometimes with added dried fruit or other flavorings. They are often served with cinnamon-flavored syrup or custard sauce.

In South Africa, there is another type of dumpling known as melkkos. These dumplings are made by adding milk, one teaspoon at a time, to a dry flour mixture. The flour sticks to the milk and forms dumplings, which are then boiled in a mixture of milk and butter. Serve hot, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

South Africa also has a type of dumpling dough called dombolo, unique or steamed bread, which is very popular and common in South African cuisine.

American dumplings can be either filled pastry (which are usually baked) or small dough pieces added to a salty or sweet dish, in which case they are usually boiled.

Baked sweet dumplings are a popular dessert in American cuisine. They are made by wrapping fruit, often a whole tart apple, in pastry and then baking until the pastry is browned and the filling tender. While baking, the dumplings can be surrounded by a sweet sauce, containing a sweet sauce, usually containing brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, or other spices.

Baked Hot Dumplings Pizza Rolls are a popular ready-made snack dish.

Boiled dumplings are made by mixing flour, fat, and baking powder with milk or water to make a dough that can either be rolled out and cut into small pieces, or simply dropped by spoonfuls into the boiling liquid of salty soup, or stewed or, as dessert dumplings, on simmering sweetened fruit. The discarded species are sometimes referred to as “doughboys.” When added to chicken and vegetables in chicken broth, the starch in the dumplings thickens the broth and turns it into a gravy, creating famous chicken and dumpling dishes.

Download Dumpling PNG images transparent gallery.