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–+ servings

Clear-Broth Dushpara

These tender, hand-formed dumplings simmered in a deeply flavorful bone broth are the kind of comforting, old-world food that brings everyone to the table. Simple ingredients, lots of love, and worth every minute. A classic Bulgarian Jewish winter soup.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Rest time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour 300 g
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ to 1 cup water

Filling

  • ⅔ pound ground beef or lamb 300 g
  • 1 cup fried onion
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon baharat
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Broth

  • 2¼ pounds beef with bones 1 kg
  • 1 onion halved
  • 1 carrot cut into chunks
  • 1 celery stalk cut into chunks
  • 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas drained
  • 10 cups water
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add egg and gradually add water, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. Knead lightly until elastic. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

  • In a bowl, combine ground meat, fried onion, turmeric, baharat, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the broth.

Make the Broth:

  • Place beef bones, onion, carrot, celery, chickpeas, and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 2–3 hours, skimming foam as needed. Season with salt and pepper toward the end of cooking. Strain if desired, or leave vegetables in for a rustic broth.

Form the Dumplings:

  • Roll rested dough very thin on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 2-inch (5 cm) circles. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold and pinch tightly to seal, forming half-moons or traditional dumpling shapes.

Cook the Dumplings:

  • Bring a pot of salted water or strained broth to a gentle boil. Add dumplings and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they float and are cooked through.

Serve:

  • Divide dumplings among bowls. Ladle hot broth over the top and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.