After my first experience making dumplings, I knew I wanted to try again. They were not as successful as the first attempt, but for I now know some tricks for the next time. The biggest problem was that my wrapper dough was too sticky which made it a challenge to roll out. Where the wrappers got too thin, they broke in the pot. Boo.
My filling was half leftovers from the spring rolls! In a food processor, I pulsed a few pieces of carrot, two scallions, a 1/2″ slice of fresh ginger, two leaves of Napa cabbage, a clove of garlic, a few pieces of tofu, and about six ounces of cooked shrimp.
Then I mixed in a tablespoon of soy sauce, two teaspoons of rice wine vinegar, and a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. When I realized that I had forgotten the cilantro, I minced a tablespoon or two of that and mixed it in, too.
The other problem with the sticky dough was that the dumplings tended to stick together on the plate and tore when I went to cook them. Grr.
When they float, they’re almost done!
The husband did have seconds and said he would eat them again – high-praise! I skipped adding spinach for expediency which may have been a mistake as it added some nice flavor and color last time. If I added tofu again I would season the filling a more to compensate. A lot of the seasoning comes from the dipping sauce, anyway. Mixing it up did make me realize how skimpy my kitchen’s offerings are in that flavor profile.
I am enjoying my forays into Asian cooking, though. What should I try next?
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Speaking of spinach adding flavor… Lee made fritata with French sorrel… oh wow. The sorrel added fabulous flavor (and I like French sorrel raw and plain). If you can get your hands on some French sorrel, I recommend you try it.
I have never had French sorrel! Did you get it from your CSA? What does it taste like?
Perhaps I will brave the hippies and hipsters and look for some at the co-op.