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Dumplings

Dumplings, the classic Asian pockets of goodness are not only  relished in many Asian countries for generations but are also loved by foodies all over the world. While many of us might know it as a popular  frozen food or takeout item, nothing beats the wholesomeness of homemade dumplings.

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INGREDIENTS:

For Filling:

  • 1lb/450g ground pork/ chicken

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  • ½ tsp white pepper

  • 5 tbsp ginger juice (see recipe for more descriptions on how to make)

  • 1 egg

  • 1 stalk of spring onion, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

 

Ginger juice

  • 1 large ginger root

 

Additional:

  • 1 pack store-bought circular dumpling wrapping dough (dough can be hard to make from scratch)

  • 1 egg, beat

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PROCEDURE:

To make ginger juice:

  1. Grate the ginger using a cheese grater.

  2. Gently put grated ginger into a cheesecloth.

  3. Squeeze grated ginger until juice comes out.

 

To make filling:

  1. Mix all the filling ingredients in a large bowl. That’s it!

 

To fill:

  1. Lightly flour a working surface.

  2. In a bowl, beat one egg until whites and yolk are well combined

  3. Take one sheet of dumpling dough in one hand.

  4. Using a spoon, scoop approximately one tablespoon of filling onto the dough, keeping the filling in a spherical shape in the middle.

  5. Using a finger, lightly line the sides of the dough with the egg wash.

  6. Fold the wrapper together like a taco. Seal the dumpling to form a semicircle-type shape.

  7. Then, pleat the sealed edge into a classic Chinese dumpling pattern.

 

To cook:

  1. In a stock pot bring some unsalted water to boil 

  2. Boil the dumplings, working in batches if needed. The dumplings will initially sink, and eventually float when they are done. Beware not to overcrowd the pan.

  3. When the dumplings start floating, bring them out onto a plate and enjoy with soy sauce and Chinese vinegar.

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Serving suggestions: both the boiled and fried version of this recipe can be served with a simple Din Tai Fung-style dipping sauce, made with soy sauce, Chinese vinegar, and julienned ginger.



Note: this wholesome recipe is perfect for intergenerational activity! Wrapping dumplings is a perfect family activity where family members from all generations can participate together. Grandpa and grandma can teach the kids how to wrap the dumplings, and everyone can have a laugh at whose dumplings look the worst. Regardless of ugliness, though, they will all taste great as long as you stick to this senior-friendly recipe.

Home wrapped dumplings filled with stuffing made at home  are much healthier for several reasons. For one, this homemade recipe does not have any kind of preservatives or artificial seasoning (such as MSG). Rather, it only has fresh, wholesome, and healthy ingredients. Moreover dumplings taste that much better when you have it with your loved ones, knowing that you and your family have folded each and every one of them. The sense of accomplishment, perhaps, is the best seasoning you can have in the dumplings.

Wrapping dumplings is a great intergenerational activity. It is fun to have  grandparents, parents, and kids come together around the dining table, doing the same activity and sharing a laugh. With stories of the days gone by and of the mischiefs of their youthful days, this is the best time for the elders of the family to pass down intergenerational wisdom, especially skills in the kitchen. Maybe one day, when the children have grandkids of their own, they can  continue the tradition.

While traditionally Chinese and Japanese dumplings call for pork, this recipe can easily be made Halal or Kosher by using chicken. Although, if you are able to, I would recommend doing this recipe with pork, because I find it more satisfying, having grown up eating it. 

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WHY ARE DUMPLINGS  HEALTHY FOR SENIORS:

  • Protein and amino acids: Pork is very rich in protein, and the protein from pork contains all nine essential amino acids. This helps with muscular retention and repair, and prevents decay.

  • Minerals and vitamins:

    • Zinc: pork contains zinc, which is essential for a healthy brain and immune system

    • Thiamine: an important B vitamin present in pork that helps various bodily functions. Note that this is not found in other red meats like beef or lamb.

    • Selenium: helps with DNA synthesis, metabolism, and protects you from infection.

    • Vitamin B12: A crucial vitamin found almost only in meats that helps with blood formulation and brain function.

    • Vitamin B6: helps the formation of red blood cells, keeps blood healthy.

    • Niacin: helps with metabolism.

    • Iron: The iron in pork is easier to absorb than in most other meats. Iron develops hemoglobin, which enhances blood flow.

 

Difficulty level: easy, though the wrapping can be a bit technical

Time needed: 10 minutes to prep, 30 mins-1 hour to wrap (depending on speed), approx. 10 mins to cook

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