Homemade dumplings: are they supposed to be stodgy?

[WhenLifeGivesYouLemonsx]

I've just done some dumplings using this recipe:

http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/1375/dumplings.aspx

I followed it properly and rechecked measurements. Once I added all the milk, it was very gloopy and sloppy! So I had to sift more flour into it so the consistency is very stodgy but it stays together. It really sticky and was sticking to my hand! Took ages to wash off.

Is that how it is supposed to be? They're in the slow cooker on top of my stew now so I hope they don't end up making the whole food inedible lol [santa]

I forgot to mention that I substituted plain flour and baking powder for 100g self-raising flour instead.

I always use Atora so can't advise but I'm following to see how they turned out!

@Shmithecat I would've used it but my husband is Hindu so I couldn't :( I know they do a vegetable suet but they only sell it in Waitrose, which is too far out of my way and I couldn't find it in Sainsbury's. I will let you know how it turns out! Thank you.

I use atora as well, I think it's twice as much SR flour as suet then just enough cold water to bring it together into a soft dough.

Update:
So that was a fail! The dumplings started to split and melt into the stew. Before it got worse, I quickly scooped them out and binned it. i found and have used another recipe from BBC:

150g self raising flour
1 tsp oil
1 egg yolk, lightly whisked

Combine together, then slowly add about 4tbsp water until it forms a dough, kneed a little bit then roll into balls.

So that's what I've done and it was much better than before! Was easy to do, didn't stick everywhere either. They are in the SC now on top of the stew. Fingers crossed this one goes better! I don't want to open the lid anymore as it will just increase the cooking time!

If you can get hold of some veggie suet and use twice as much self raising flour and a bit of water the dumplings will be light and delicious! Preferably decant stew into a casserole and bake until dumplings are cooked and you'll have a lovely crispy top layer