Would you believe that tiny little Asian dumplings are the hottest new trend of 2012? According to Esquire Magazine, these unassuming treats are the next big thing.
Asian dumplings are essentially balls of dough that have been filled with vegetables and minced pork or other meats. Different parts of Asia serve different varieties of dumplings. Some are boiled and steamed, like China’s jiaozi dumplings, which are served on Chinese New Year’s Eve. The wonton is another variety from China, and is typically served boiled and in a broth. The Japanese serve takoyaki, round dumplings made from flour, egg, and a piece of octopus for flavor. And in Korea, you can find mandu dumplings, filled with kimchi, vegetables, ground pork, and noodles. Sometimes these mandu dumplings are used to make a soup, which is called mandu guk.
Easy Dumplings To Make At Home
These trendy little dumplings are not only delicious, they are a breeze to make at home. All you will need is equal parts ground pork (fatty pork is better as it will create more juicy and flavorful dumplings), napa cabbage, Chinese chives, and circular pre-made dumpling wrappers (if they are square that’s okay, you can either carve them into a circle using a water glass or simply use a different folding technique). Finely chop the cabbage and chives using a food processor or kitchen knife, then mix them into the ground pork. Next you will wrap your dumplings. If you are using round dumpling wrappers, lightly wet the edges then spoon a teaspoon of filling inside and fold into a half moon shape. Press the edges together to secure, then lightly press the filing down to create a a flat surface so the dumpling can stand. Either steam dumplings or pan fry in vegetable oil, then serve with soy sauce.
Dumpling may not be the fanciest food around, but they are certainly delicious. No matter what flavors of food you prefer, there is a dumpling to suit your taste.
Source:
- “15 Food Predictions for 2012″, Esquire Magazine
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