Dumplings

Dumplings - Tasty, filling and easy to make.

For those interested in making them, look no further, for here is a quick run recipe and guide to making your own dumplings.

What you'll need:

mince pork
chives
chinese mushrooms
water chestnut
dumpling wrap
soya sauce
chinese vinegar
pepper
egg whites


Most of these can be purchased from any good asian grocery store. Chinese mushrooms come dried and in a big packet, water chestnuts can be found in a tine and the dumpling wrap can be found in the chiller section either in a circle or square form.

The chinese mushrooms need to be soaked for around 25-40 minutes to become rehydrated. This is done by getting a handful and then placing them in a bowl and fill the rest of the bowl with water so that it covers the mushrooms sufficiently. Meanwhile, dice the chives, water chestnut finely, and repeat with the mushrooms once they're hydrated. Mix mince and the diced ingredients in a big mixing bowl until they're mixed well, this well become your "filling".

To wrap dumplings:

place a about a teapsoon or two into the middle of the dumpling wrap and apply the egg white using a brush to the diameter of the dumpling wrap and seal the dumpling wrap together by folding it in half. Press firmly on the outer edge of the dumpling to ensure it doesn't bust whilst cooking, repeat until either the filling mixture or the dumpling wrap runs out.

To cook:
Steaming or shallow frying are the usual types. I personally like mine shallow fried. Once cooked, dip into a mixture of soya sauce and chinese vinegar.

Making dumplings is easy and fun, and can involve the whole family and friends. I've had dinners where  i provided the the dumpling wrap and the filling mixture for my dinner guests to actually make their dumplings. Since it gets easier by your 30th dumpling it can allow for more conversation and fun and I make sure jokingly that you can only eat the ones that you have made, thus encouraging them to make more. This is also a fun recipe for kids to make too.  I remember having a lot of fun while I was younger in making this recipe.