Dumplings, a traditional Chinese delicacy, symbolize prosperity and togetherness. This recipe combines the fresh, herbal notes of Chinese chives with savory pork, resulting in a filling that's both comforting and flavorful.
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktxFlKUVaK8
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of water (lukewarm)
For the Filling:
- 500g ground pork
- 2 bunches of Chinese chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and water. Mix until a soft, pliable dough is formed. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Making the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped chives, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Assembling the Dumplings:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a long cylinder. Cut into small, equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a round wrapper, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges together to seal, forming a half-moon shape. Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent leakage during cooking.
4. Cooking the Dumplings:
Boil a pot of water. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking. When the dumplings float to the surface, cook for another minute, then remove using a slotted spoon. Place them on a plate and serve immediately.
Notes & Tips:
- To ensure the dumplings don't stick together when cooking, make sure they have enough space in the boiling water.
- For added flavor, you can dip the cooked dumplings in a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar or chili oil.
- Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray and transfer them to a ziplock bag once they are frozen solid for longer storage.