Lekhotloane - Traditional Lesotho Dumplings

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 53g, 0g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add water to the flour mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands.
3. 3.
   Continue mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a little more water.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
6. 6.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. 7.
   Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
8. 8.
   Remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and serve immediately with your favorite stew or soup.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Avoid using self-rising flour as it may affect the texture of the dumplings.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add herbs or spices to the dough, such as thyme or paprika.
• To make the dumplings even fluffier, you can add a teaspoon of baking powder to the flour mixture.
• If you prefer a denser texture, you can reduce the amount of water slightly.
• Lekhotloane is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve immediately after cooking.
• Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them by steaming or microwaving before serving.

Serving advice

Serve Lekhotloane alongside a hearty beef stew or a flavorful vegetable soup. The dumplings soak up the flavors of the accompanying dish, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings in a bowl or on a plate, allowing their fluffy texture to be showcased. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color.