Low Carb Pork and Herb Dumplings in Savory Sauce

 Experience the comforting essence of dumplings without the carbs! These savory parcels feature a flavorful, herbed pork filling wrapped in a simple low-carb dough, then baked to perfection in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an elegant, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet fits a healthy lifestyle perfectly.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Dough:

• ¼ cup almond flour

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

• 2 large eggs

For the Pork Filling:

• 1 pound ground pork

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce & Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, and eggs until a soft, cohesive dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flours to absorb the moisture.

Step 2: Make the Filling
In a separate large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the pork.

Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings
Divide the dough into 8-12 equal portions. On a piece of parchment paper, flatten each portion into a thin round. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each round. Gently fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal and form a half-moon shape.

Step 4: Sear the Dumplings
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the dumplings in the skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.

Step 5: Create the Sauce and Bake
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth and heavy cream. Pour this mixture evenly over the seared dumplings in the skillet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through, the filling is no longer pink, and the sauce is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve
Let the dumplings rest in the skillet for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Serve hot, spooning the extra savory sauce over the top.

Serving Suggestions

• For a Complete Meal: Serve alongside creamy mashed cauliflower, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette.

• For a Cozy Evening: Pair with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a warm cup of herbal tea.

Variations & Tips

• Add Some Heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the pork mixture for a spicy kick.

• Herb Swap: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.

• Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker, gravy-like sauce, whisk ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum into the cold cream and broth mixture before pouring it into the skillet.

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and the Parmesan cheese with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.