Vegetarian Dumplings

Vegetarian Dumplings Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetarian dumplings are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. These dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of vegetables, tofu, and seasonings, and are served with a tasty dipping sauce. They are perfect for a light and healthy meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Dumplings have a long history in Chinese cuisine, with various types of dumplings being enjoyed for centuries. Vegetarian dumplings have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people are looking for meat-free alternatives. This recipe puts a modern twist on the traditional dumpling by using a variety of fresh vegetables and tofu as the filling.

Ingredients

2 large carrots, cut into chunks
8 oz (227 g) firm tofu
7 dried black Chinese mushrooms, soaked in hot water to rehydrate
0.5 lb (227 g) spinach, rinsed and trimmed
6 large leaves Chinese or American cabbage, trimmed
2 cloves garlic
0.5 bunch cilantro, rinsed and trimmed
1 large egg, beaten
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 to 3 tsp salt, or to taste
50 x 3 inches-round wonton wrappers

Dipping Sauce

3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
0.5 tbsp chili sauce

How to prepare

To make Dumplings: Dry carrots, tofu, mushrooms, spinach, cabbage, garlic, and cilantro thoroughly, and put them into a food processor. Chop them very finely and put the vegetable mixture into a large bowl.
Mix together egg, ginger, soy sauce, cornstarch, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Stir the egg mixture into the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Drain any excess liquid from the mixture.
Place dumpling wrappers, one at a time, on a flat work surface. Put a spoonful of the mixture in the center, brush water around the edges of the wrapper, and crimp it shut to seal. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are used up.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add dumplings, 12 at a time, to the water and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface. Use a slotted skimmer to remove them from the water and set them aside in a bowl. Avoid touching them while still hot to prevent sticking.

Dipping Sauce

Combine all the ingredients, mixing well, and set them aside.
To serve, arrange the dumplings on a platter and serve with the dipping sauce.

Variations

Add chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Use different vegetables, such as bell peppers or snow peas, in the filling for a unique twist.
Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a sweet and sour sauce or a peanut sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the vegetables and tofu for the filling to ensure that the dumplings cook evenly.

- Use a slotted skimmer to remove the dumplings from the boiling water to prevent them from sticking together.

- Be careful not to overfill the dumpling wrappers, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.

- Serve the dumplings hot with the dipping sauce for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve vegetarian dumplings as a light meal or appetizer with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tempeh or seitan instead of tofu for a different protein option.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

- Use gluten-free dumpling wrappers for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the vegetarian dumplings ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and cook the dumplings.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cooked dumplings on a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve vegetarian dumplings with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the dumplings for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of vegetarian dumplings contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of vegetarian dumplings contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of vegetarian dumplings contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of vegetarian dumplings contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetarian dumplings are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Vegetarian dumplings are a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. They are a great option for vegetarians and anyone looking for a healthy meal.

Summary

Vegetarian dumplings are a tasty and healthy dish that is easy to make at home. Filled with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and tofu, these dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve them with a delicious dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Chinatown, where the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of exotic spices and flavors. I was drawn to a small, quaint little shop tucked away in a corner, its windows adorned with colorful lanterns and intricate Chinese calligraphy.

As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the warm smile of an elderly woman who beckoned me over to her counter. She was a master chef, known throughout the neighborhood for her delectable vegetarian creations. I watched in awe as she deftly folded delicate dumplings with nimble fingers, filling them with a savory mixture of mushrooms, cabbage, and tofu.

Intrigued by her skill and passion for cooking, I struck up a conversation with her and soon found myself immersed in a world of culinary delights. She shared with me the secrets of her recipes, passed down through generations of her family. Each ingredient had a story to tell, each flavor a memory to cherish.

One particular recipe caught my eye - Vegetarian Dumplings. It was a dish that held a special place in her heart, a labor of love that brought joy to all who tasted it. She revealed to me the key to making the perfect dumpling - a delicate balance of flavors, textures, and aromas.

I watched intently as she demonstrated the art of dumpling making, guiding me through each step with patience and wisdom. From kneading the dough to shaping the dumplings, she showed me the importance of precision and care in every detail.

As the aroma of the dumplings filled the air, I knew that I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of culinary knowledge. I vowed to learn the art of making Vegetarian Dumplings and carry on the legacy of this time-honored recipe.

With her guidance, I practiced tirelessly in my own kitchen, experimenting with different fillings and seasonings to create my own unique twist on the classic dish. Each batch of dumplings was a labor of love, infused with memories of that fateful day in Chinatown.

Over the years, I honed my skills and perfected the recipe, delighting my family and friends with my delicious creations. The Vegetarian Dumplings became a staple at gatherings and celebrations, a symbol of connection and tradition.

As I look back on that unforgettable day in Chinatown, I am filled with gratitude for the kind-hearted chef who shared her knowledge and passion with me. The recipe for Vegetarian Dumplings is not just a list of ingredients and instructions, but a story of heritage, friendship, and the joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands.

And so, whenever I make a batch of Vegetarian Dumplings, I am transported back to that magical moment in time, where the aroma of spices and the warmth of a shared meal brought us together in a bond that transcends language and culture. The recipe may have been found in a small shop in Chinatown, but its true essence lies in the heart and soul of those who have embraced its magic and made it their own.