Simple Homemade Dough Recipe

Dough is a staple in many cuisines around the world and is the base for so many wonderful dishes, from dumplings to pies to flatbreads. This simple homemade dough recipe is easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways, whether you’re preparing a savory pie or a sweet pastry. With just a few basic ingredients, this dough comes together quickly and is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Whether you are making a savory dish like dumplings or a sweet dessert like fruit pies, this dough is your go-to recipe.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: Varies depending on recipe (flatbreads and dumplings cook quickly, while pies may take longer)

• Total Time: 10 minutes (for dough preparation)

Ingredients:

• 350g flour (all-purpose)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 200ml hot water

• Additional flour (10-20g) for working with the dough

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Start by combining 350g of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir the two ingredients together until they are well-mixed, ensuring that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This simple combination sets the foundation for your dough.

2. Add the Oil and Water: Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the flour mixture. Follow by gradually adding 200ml of hot water. The hot water is essential because it helps to soften the dough, making it easier to knead and work with. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the flour, oil, and water together until the ingredients begin to form a dough.

3. Knead the Dough: Once the mixture starts to come together, transfer it to a clean, lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by hand for 5-7 minutes. As you knead, the dough will become smooth and elastic. If you find the dough too sticky, sprinkle 10-20g of extra flour onto the surface and continue kneading until the dough is no longer sticky but soft and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, add small amounts of water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

4. Rest the Dough: After kneading, cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, which makes it much easier to roll out, especially when preparing dumplings, flatbreads, or pie crusts.

5. Use the Dough: After resting, your dough is ready to use for a variety of recipes. Roll it out for flatbreads, form it into dumplings, or shape it into a pie crust. This dough is a fantastic base that is versatile for numerous types of culinary creations.

Serving Suggestions:

• Flatbreads: Roll the dough into small rounds and cook them on a hot skillet or griddle. This creates soft and slightly crispy flatbreads that are perfect as a side or for wraps.

• Dumplings: Use the dough to make dumplings, filling them with ground meats, vegetables, or cheese, then steam or boil them to perfection.

• Pie Crust: Roll out the dough and use it as a pie crust. Fill it with sweet or savory fillings like fruits, vegetables, or meats, and bake until golden and crispy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

This dough is a versatile and basic recipe with a simple mix of ingredients, so the nutritional values are relatively straightforward. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information for the dough itself (not including fillings or toppings):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal (based on 4 servings)

• Protein: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 7g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 180mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on the flour used (whole wheat flour would increase fiber content, for example) and the additional ingredients (such as fillings or toppings).

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe:

Dough, in its most basic form, has been used for centuries around the world. Whether for flatbreads in the Middle East and Central Asia, dumplings in East Asia, or pies in Europe and North America, dough serves as a simple yet essential foundation for countless dishes. This basic dough recipe has roots in many of these culinary traditions and has evolved to become the go-to dough for a variety of dishes. Its simplicity, versatility, and quick preparation time have made it popular in both home kitchens and professional kitchens.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe:

• Easy to Make: This dough recipe only requires a few basic ingredients and can be prepared in just 10 minutes. There’s no need for any fancy equipment, making it perfect for beginner cooks.

• Versatile: Whether you’re making dumplings, pies, or flatbreads, this dough can be adapted to any recipe. It’s great for both sweet and savory dishes.

• Quick Resting Time: Unlike other doughs that require extended rising times, this dough only needs about 30 minutes to rest, making it faster and more convenient to prepare.

• Customizable: You can add herbs, spices, or different types of flour (such as whole wheat or gluten-free) to change the flavor and texture of the dough, tailoring it to your personal preferences.

Health Benefits:

While this dough is relatively simple, it can be part of a healthy meal when used with nutritious fillings or toppings. Here are a few health benefits:

• Rich in Carbohydrates: This dough provides a good source of energy, particularly if you’re using it as part of a meal like dumplings or flatbreads filled with vegetables, lean meats, or legumes.

• Fiber: If you opt for whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, you’ll get a boost of fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

• Vegan-Friendly: This dough recipe contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegan diets, as well as vegetarian and plant-based eaters.

Cooking Tips:

• Temperature of Water: Always use hot water (but not boiling) when making this dough. This helps activate the gluten and creates a smooth texture.

• Flour Variations: If you want a richer flavor or denser texture, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a gluten-free flour blend.

• Resting is Important: Don’t skip the resting time! Resting allows the dough to relax and makes it much easier to roll out without it springing back.

• Avoid Overworking the Dough: When kneading, stop as soon as the dough becomes smooth. Overworking it can lead to a dense texture, which isn’t ideal for flatbreads or dumplings.

Variations to Try:

• Herbed Dough: Add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the dough for added flavor, especially if you’re making savory pies or flatbreads.

• Sweet Dough: Add sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough if you’re planning to make a sweet dessert pie, pastry, or turnover.

• Gluten-Free Dough: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to also use xanthan gum or a similar binder if needed for the right texture.

Conclusion:

This homemade dough recipe is the perfect base for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making dumplings, pies, or flatbreads, it’s easy, quick, and versatile. It’s an essential recipe that should be in every cook’s repertoire, as it can be adapted for sweet or savory recipes and customized to suit your tastes. With just a few ingredients, you can create a variety of mouth-watering dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section:

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure it’s covered tightly in plastic wrap.

2. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

3. Can I make this dough gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.

4. Can I add more flavor to the dough? Yes! Add herbs, garlic powder, or other spices to the dough to complement your dish.

5. What is the best way to roll out the dough? Use a lightly floured surface and a rolling pin to roll out the dough evenly. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

6. Can I use this dough for savory pies? Yes! This dough works great for savory pies, especially when filled with vegetables, meats, or cheese.