“Dominicanas” (Puerto Rican “dumplings ore domplines “) are baked dough. Donuts, beignets, and buñuelos are similar.
Dumplings are made by mixing flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and water into a dough and rolling it into tiny balls or elongated shapes. These dough bits are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside.
Dumplings are a popular meal or snack in Puerto Rico, served plain or with cheese, butter, or honey. They can also accompany stews or soups. They are taken as dessert in the Dominican Republic, often with a sweet dipping sauce.
Best Puerto Rican dumplings Recipe
I’m pleased to share my favorite Puerto Rican dumplings recipe, a delicious fried dough that will become a kitchen staple. This simple recipe makes airy, crispy dumplings for both novice and experienced cooks.
First, dumpling roots. They are Dominican Republic-born but linked with Puerto Rican cuisine. Both countries offer them plain or with toppings for breakfast or snacks.
Fried Dough Puerto Rican dumplings Ingredients
To make Puerto Rican dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
How To Make Puerto Rican dumplings Fried Dough
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk together until well combined and set aside.
Step 2: Add the water
Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. You may need to add a little more water if the dough is too dry or a little more flour if it’s too wet. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not sticky.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Divide the dough
Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a ping pong ball. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
Step 5: Roll out the dumplings
Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten it into a thin disk, about 1/4 inch thick. You can also use your hands to stretch the dough if you prefer.
Step 6: Fry the dumplings
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add a few dumplings to the oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain and serve
Using a slotted spoon, remove the dumplings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, plain, or with your favorite toppings.
Puerto Rican dumplings Fried Dough Variations
Sweet dumplings: Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough for a sweet and fragrant flavor. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle honey on top of the finished dumplings.
Savory dumplings: Try adding some finely chopped herbs or spices to the dough, such as cilantro, parsley, or garlic powder. Serve alongside a spicy salsa or dip for a tasty appetizer.
Cheese-filled dumplings: Roll out the dough and place a small cube of cheese in the center of each piece before folding and frying. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious center.
Coconut dumplings: Add some grated coconut to the dough for a tropical twist on this classic recipe. You can also serve these domplines with a side of coconut cream or sauce for dipping.
Chocolate dumplings: Mix in some cocoa powder to the dough for a rich and chocolaty flavor. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top of the finished dumplings for an extra decadent treat.
How To Serve Homemade Puerto Rican dumplings
Puerto Rican domplines are flexible snacks. Serving suggestions:
Plain: Dumplines are tasty plain and make a satisfying snack.
Toppings: Top dumplings with honey, powdered sugar, sliced cheese, salsa, or chocolate sauce.
Dipping sauces: Serve dumplings with salsa, sour cream, or yogurt mix.
Sandwiches: Make tasty sandwiches with dumplings. For a fast lunch or snack, fill them with meat, cheese, and veggies.
Breakfast: Domplines are delicious with eggs or bacon. Honey or jam add sweetness.
treat: Serve domplines with ice cream or fruit for a decadent treat.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is traditional for making domplines, you can experiment with other types of flour such as whole wheat or almond flour. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and taste of the finished product.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a few hours or even a day ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry the domplines.
What are some toppings I can use?
Some popular toppings for domplines include honey, powdered sugar, or grated cheese. You can also try dipping them in chocolate or caramel sauce for a sweet treat.
Puerto Rican domplings Fried Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk together until well combined and set aside.
- Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. You may need to add a little more water if the dough is too dry or a little more flour if it’s too wet. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a ping pong ball. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
- Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten it into a thin disk, about 1/4 inch thick. You can also use your hands to stretch the dough if you prefer.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add a few domplines to the oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
