I have a recipe for dumplings that calls for crème fraiche. Can I substitute buttermilk?

Dumpling Recipe

1/2 cup crème fraiche
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
2 tsp fresh chopped thyme leaves
2 cups self-rising flour

Gloria,

Buttermilk might be too thin to sub for creme fraiche. You might try using sour cream instead. I wonder how they would come out if you used buttermilk for the milk and sour creme for the creme fraiche? That would give it a lovely tang but not be too thin of a dumpling. Just thinking here .

Thats kind of a wild dumpling recipe with eggs and self rising flour! Let us know how they come out, please!

Love dumplings!

Myrtle/Marlene

Marlene, I love dumplings, too. Thought this recipe looked good, but the crème fraiche has me stumped. In the v i d e o, Chef John says you can substitute buttermilk or sour cream. I just got a bold idea. How about 1/4 cup of buttermilk and 1/4 cup sour cream?

http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2012/05/ ... -with.html

Gloria,

I think that just might work! Somehow you need to get that perfect moisture consistency, so the dumplings hold together when they hit the soup or stew, while at the same time, aren't too dry.

I need a dumpling fix and soon! LOL.

Let us know.... the recipe does look REALLY good. Thanks for sharing.

Myrtle/Marlene

Sour cream is probably the best substitute, but half sour cream/half buttermilk should work. You can also use part whipping cream/part buttermilk or yogurt...or equal parts whipping cream and sour cream. Trader Joe's sells creme fraiche; I think I paid about $3 for it the last time.

Thanks for the heads-up on the crème fraiche. I didn't know they sold it at Trader Joe's. Will check it out.

Thank you Marlene and champagne. I made the dumplings for this evening's meal. I didn't make it to Trader Joe's for the crème fraiche. I had sour creme on hand and used it. I didn't realize until the dumplings were done and one was on my plate . . . there is no salt in the recipe. Although the dumplings were fluffy, the taste was flat. I will definitely add a pinch of salt if I use this recipe again. Also, this recipe sucks up the broth. Make sure you have plenty of broth to spare and use a pot with a large surface area.

Thanks for the review, Gloria; I agree a little salt is a must. I was at TJ's yesterday...their creme fraiche is now $3.79 for a 7.5 ounce container.