Soft, tender cauliflower dumplings with a lightly chewy texture, perfect with garlic butter sauce, tomato sauce, pesto, or crispy chili oil. These are inspired by gnocchi-style dumplings but made fully vegan and easy to customize gluten-free.

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Servings

4 servings

Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cook: 15 minutes
• Total: ~35 minutes

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Ingredients

Dumpling Base

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  (or gluten-free flour blend)
• ¼ cup potato starch or cornstarch
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Optional Add-Ins

• chopped parsley
• chili flakes
• onion powder
• vegan parmesan

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Optional Garlic Herb Sauce

• 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• parsley
• lemon juice

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Step 1: Cook the Cauliflower

Cut cauliflower into florets.

Steam or boil until:

• very soft
• fork tender

Usually:

• 8–10 minutes

Drain very well.

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Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

This is the most important step.

Transfer cooked cauliflower to:

• towel
• cheesecloth
• paper towels

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

Less water = softer, less sticky dumplings.

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Step 3: Make the Dough

Mash cauliflower thoroughly or pulse in a food processor.

Add:

• flour
• potato starch
• nutritional yeast
• garlic powder
• salt
• pepper
• olive oil

Mix until soft dough forms.

Texture Goal

• soft
• slightly tacky
• holds shape without sticking heavily

Add extra flour 1 tbsp at a time if too wet.

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Step 4: Shape the Dumplings

Lightly flour surface.

Roll dough into ropes about:

• ¾-inch thick

Cut into small dumpling pieces.

Optional:
Press lightly with fork for gnocchi ridges.

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Step 5: Boil the Dumplings

Bring salted water to gentle boil.

Add dumplings in batches.

Cook until they:

• float to surface

Usually:

• 2–3 minutes

Remove with slotted spoon.

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Step 6: Optional Pan-Crisp Finish

For best texture:

Heat olive oil or vegan butter in skillet.

Pan-fry boiled dumplings:

• 2–3 minutes per side

Until:

• golden
• slightly crispy outside

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Step 7: Make Garlic Herb Sauce

In skillet:

1. Melt vegan butter
2. Add garlic
3. Cook 30 seconds
4. Add parsley + lemon juice

Toss dumplings gently in sauce.

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Serving Ideas

Mediterranean Style

Serve with:

• olives
• tomatoes
• spinach
• vegan feta

Creamy Version

Use:

• cashew cream sauce
• oat cream Alfredo

Spicy Version

Top with:

• chili crisp
• harissa
• red pepper flakes

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~220–300
• Protein: ~6–8g
• Carbs: ~38g
• Fat: ~6g

Depends on flour and sauce used.

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Gluten-Free Version

Replace flour with:

• gluten-free 1:1 blend
• rice flour + potato starch

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Meal Prep & Storage

Fridge

• up to 4 days

Freezer

Freeze uncooked dumplings on tray first, then bag.

Boil directly from frozen.

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Pro Tips

Remove Moisture Thoroughly

Wet cauliflower causes gummy dough.

Don’t Overwork Dough

Too much mixing makes dense dumplings.

Gentle Boil

Rapid boiling can break dumplings apart.

Pan-Frying Improves Texture

Creates restaurant-style crispy edges.