The Power of Dumplings: Simple Ingredients, Powerful Flavors

I believe that to this date, there is probably no food as comforting, tasty and as versatile as a dumpling. From steamed, boiled, and fried these yummy morsels have been enjoyed by society for hundreds of years. With an amazing variety of stuffings ranging from tasty meat to sweet pastries, there are dumplings for connoisseurs of any type of food.

What Are Dumplings?

The word dumplings refers to small pieces of dough containing stuffing, and the stuffing can be different, for example, meat, vegetables, or sweets. Commonly the dough is created from flour, water, and salt but the latter may change depending on the geographical location or the type of recipe. Dumplings can be cooked in different ways: Whether it is steamed, boiled pan-fried, or deep-fried. This is perhaps the reason why dumplings are a favorite food in many parts of the world – mainly because they’re very flexible.

The filling can vary from the rocks of meat or fish to fluffy seafood or even a mixture of greens and vegetables. Fruit or chocolate stuffed sweet dumplings are also known to be part of many cultures’ local foods.

A Brief History of Dumplings

Dumplings for centuries have played an important role in many countries’ cuisine. It is said that they were developed from the Chinese dish called jiaozi and have spread throughout Asia and the Global Village. Every culture seems to have adopted the dumpling adding their signature tastes, stuffing, and preparations.

In China, Dumpling were particularly consumed during the celebration of the Lunar New Year so as to promote the aspect of luck. In Eastern Europe, dumplings are considered a food and prepare comfort food, these can be served with a side dish or are an integral item on the dinner plate. The type of dumplings has shifted through many variants over the years, ranging from Italian ravioli, Polish perogi, to even Japanese gyoza since every country adds flavor from its culture.

Varieties of Dumplings Across The Globe

Chinese Jiaozi

In China, for instance, jiaozi are the most commonly known dumpling. The ones that can be stuffed, are usually stuffed with ground pork, cabbage, and other spices. These dumplings are either boiled and steamed or pan-fried to a golden brown at the base of the dumpling. Available especially on the Chinese New Year, jiaozi can be accompanied by a sauce prepared with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Japanese Gyoza

Just like the Chinese dumplings, gyoza in Japan are slightly smaller and their skin is a little thinner. They are usually stuffed with meat, and pork together with garlic and ginger. One of the methods of preparing gyoza is to heat the base of the dumpling on a griddle to achieve that crispy texture and then boil it to cook the filling. When consumed, gyoza usually comes with a side of a dipping sauce made from soy.

Polish Pierogi

Pierogi are a kind of dumpling and they are primarily associated with Polish cuisine. These dumplings are usually stuffed with mashed potatoes and cheese, meat and sauerkraut, and many other ingredients. Boiled pierogi, as mentioned earlier are also typically pan-fried in butter to give the dish a crispy brown appearance. They can be typically eaten with sour cream being provided separately.

Italian Ravioli

Ravioli are a type of pasta in which dough is spread and filled, like dumpling or pierogi. The kind of pasta products include those filled with ricotta cheese, spinach, or meat and they are usually prepared in a tomato sauce or butter sauce. Ravioli can be purchased as freshly made or frozen and makes a proper fast food.

Korean Mandu

Korean mandu are wrapped pouches containing a stuffing of ground beef, pork, tofu vegetables, etc. These types of dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried, and are usually eaten with chili sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh gochujang.

Russian Pelmeni

Pelmeni is a type of Russian pasta which is stuffed with minced meat pointing towards beef and pork. These dumpling are boiled and traditional served with sour cream or melted butter. Pelmeni is one of the Russian winter specialties which is ideal for eating during cold seasons.

How to Make Dumplings at Home

Homemade dumpling are a nice experience that consists of some entertaining steps. Most individuals may find the process a little off-putting at a glance but once you’ve deciphered it, it is rather easy. Here’s a basic guide to making your dumplings:

Prepare the Filling

The first thing to do is select the filling for your sandwich. You can use ground meat, vegetables, tofu, and any sort of food that you will be able to stuff. Bear in mind that you need to add herbs and spices, salt, and pepper to the filling to make it highly flavored. Popular fillings include:

• Pork and cabbage
• Beef and onion
• Mushroom and spinach
• Shrimp and ginger

Make the Dough

For the dough, you will need flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Then combine the ingredients well until you have a smooth dough, then knead the dough until it has been kneaded for 10 minutes. I suggest that one let the dough rest for approximately half an hour before and after rolling it.

Shape the Dumplings

Divide the dough into thin circles of about 3 inches in diameter. Put a spoonful of the filling in the middle of the strip and then fold the strip over to the other side making a semicircular shape. Twist the edges of the dumpling and then fold the two sides to bring these two sides together. The crimping edge is best done using a fork which you can use to give an artistic impression on the edges.

Cook the Dumplings

There are several ways to cook dumplings, depending on the recipe and your preference:

Boiling: Then they pour boiling water over them in a pot in order to cook the dumplings. Once they come to the surface, they are ready.
Steaming: Put the dumpling in a bamboo or a metal steamer and steam for roughly 10-15 minutes.
Pan-frying: When the dumplings have become slightly tender, put a small quantity of oil in a pan and pan-brown on one side only. Then, a little water and inverted onto the pan and steamed the dumplings through.

Serve with Dipping Sauce

They are what we call moist food because dumplings’ tastes are even more enhanced when they are accompanied by a dipping sauce. Vinegar and chili oil is enough to suit most dumplings even when seasoned with soy sauce. Other sauces may also be used, for instance, hoisin or sesame to enhance the taste of the food taken.

Why Dumplings Are So Loved

There are several reasons why dumplings are loved. First, they are a very general solution that can be accessed on all types of devices and in most environments. If you want them with meat, vegetables, or cheese, then you name it there is a type of dumpling that will please you. Second, they are great for sharing. In as much as dumpling can be served as a single portion meal, many people prefer to take it as a group meal due to its nature. Last but not least, making dumpling is an excellent idea if you want to cook something together. Together with friends, it’s enjoyable to roll the dough, fill each dumpling, and cook all of them at once.

A Symbol of Tradition

Dumpling symbolize different meanings in several cultures. These Chinese dumpling, jiaozi, are taken during the Lunar New Year in a bid to harness the nutrients that symbolize luck and wealth. The case with Poles is that pierogi is a part of the Christmas Eve dinner menu. It is rural in origin and traditionally boiled pelmeni are homemade in quantities that allow their consumption by a whole family and are especially popular during winter holidays. Of all foods, dumplings help to make friends at the dining table and when preparing food in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Dumpling are easily one of the world’s most popular foods, whether as a snack, a starter, or even a meal. Delicious dumplings range through examples such as jiaozi – Chinese, Venezuela, Latin American, Russian, Polish, sweet-filled pierogi, and many more that will make you drool. Regardless if you are making them yourself at your own home or ordering at some nearby restaurant, dumplings teach us that food can indeed create bonds. Well the next time you are craving some crazy crazy good and filling food, do not think twice before trying out the dumplings recipe for yourself.