Madombi, a national favourite from Botswana, is a type of steamed dumpling usually eaten with stew. These dumplings are soft, fluffy, and soak up the rich flavours of any hearty dish. Whether paired with a traditional African stew or a classic beef or lamb stew, Madombi brings warmth and comfort to every meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- Perfect for soaking up delicious stew flavours.
- A great addition to African-style dishes like Moroccan goat stew, Congolese spinach stew, or Ethiopian doro wat.
- Large dumplings that can easily serve up to 16 when cut in half.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Servings: 12 to 16 servings
- Yield: 8 dumplings
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (425g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 300ml (10 oz) warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the baking powder, salt, yeast, and sugar, then whisk to combine.
- Mix and Knead: Slowly stream in the warm water while stirring with a fork to form a sticky dough. Once mixed, use your hands to knead the dough for at least 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough back into the bowl (lightly oiled if preferred), cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 45 minutes in a warm place. The dough should double in size.
- Divide the Dough: After rising, divide the dough into 6 to 8 portions. Keep in mind that they will expand significantly while cooking.
- Cooking the Dumplings: Place the dough balls on top of a simmering stew at least 30 minutes before the stew is ready. Push them halfway into the stew, cover the pot, and allow them to steam over medium heat for 25 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: After cooking, the dumplings will have a firm and shiny top with a delicious, stew-soaked bottom. Serve warm and enjoy with your favourite stew!
Serving Suggestions
Madombi pairs well with:
- Moroccan goat stew
- Congolese spinach stew
- Ethiopian doro wat
- Classic beef stew
- Coq au vin
- Lamb stew
These hearty dumplings make any meal more filling and flavourful! Enjoy your homemade Madombi with family and friends for a true taste of Botswana. 😊
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