This traditional homemade dumpling recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a satisfying dish loved across many cultures. Dumplings, often filled with savory minced meat and aromatic spices, are a comfort food staple. With origins in various global cuisines, dumplings come in many forms, but this particular recipe emphasizes a perfectly balanced dough and juicy meat filling. The process of making dumplings from scratch can seem daunting, but it’s both rewarding and enjoyable, especially when shared with family or friends.

The beauty of homemade dumplings lies in their versatility—they can be boiled, fried, or steamed depending on your preference, and the fillings can be customized. This recipe focuses on a minced meat filling combined with onions and fragrant spices such as paprika, cumin, and coriander, giving the dumplings a rich and savory flavor. The dough, made with flour, eggs, and boiling water, creates a delicate yet sturdy base that perfectly complements the hearty filling.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Flour: 500 g
• Egg: 1 large
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
• Boiling water: 250 ml

For the Filling:

• Minced meat: 300 g
• Onion: 1, finely grated
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Spices: Paprika, cumin, coriander (adjust to taste)
• Tomato paste: 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 500 g of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and crack in 1 egg. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and pour in 250 ml of boiling water.
3. Knead the Dough: Carefully mix the ingredients together with a spoon or spatula, then begin to knead the dough by hand. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which should take about 8-10 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

5. Mix the Ingredients: While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine 300 g of minced meat, 1 finely grated onion, 1 teaspoon of salt, and your chosen spices (paprika, cumin, and coriander). Add 1 teaspoon of tomato paste for added flavor and richness.
6. Combine Well: Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure that the spices and onion are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Set the filling aside.

Step 3: Shape the Dumplings

7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has rested, divide it into manageable portions. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface until the dough is thin, about 2-3 mm thick.
8. Cut the Dough: Using a round cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles from the dough. The size of the circles can vary depending on how big you want your dumplings, but a diameter of about 7-8 cm is typical.
9. Fill the Dumplings: Place about a teaspoon of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle.
10. Seal the Dumplings: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, making sure no filling escapes. You can crimp the edges with a fork for added decoration and to ensure a good seal.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

11. Boil the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the water and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
12. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the water with a slotted spoon. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce or a side of sour cream.

Cooking Tips

• Work Quickly: When rolling out the dough, work quickly to prevent it from drying out. You can cover the unrolled portions with a towel to keep them soft while you work.
• Add Flavor to the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the spices in the filling. You can add garlic, fresh herbs, or even a bit of chili powder if you prefer a spicier filling.
• Ensure a Good Seal: Make sure to press the edges of the dumplings firmly to avoid them opening up during cooking. Wetting the edges of the dough with a little water can help seal them better.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: You can store uncooked dumplings in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure they are covered so they don’t dry out.
• Freezing: Dumplings freeze beautifully. Arrange uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time.
• Leftover Cooked Dumplings: Store leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently pan-fry or steam them until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the size and exact ingredients used.

 

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of meat for the filling?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute beef or lamb for the minced meat, or even use a combination of meats. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner option.

Q: Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. If refrigerating, make sure to cook them within 24 hours. For freezing, they can last up to 3 months.

Q: What dipping sauces pair well with these dumplings?
A: Traditional dumplings are often served with sour cream or a simple soy sauce and vinegar dip. You can also try chili oil or a garlic yogurt sauce for added flavor.

Q: Can I bake or fry these dumplings instead of boiling them?
A: Yes, you can pan-fry the dumplings in a bit of oil until they are crispy and golden on both sides. Another option is to bake them, but boiling is the most traditional method.

 

Conclusion

This traditional meat dumpling recipe offers a delicious homemade meal that is sure to impress. With a perfectly tender dough and a savory filling packed with spices, these dumplings are both hearty and flavorful. Whether you choose to boil, fry, or steam them, they provide a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion. Plus, with options to make ahead and freeze, you can always have a batch ready for a quick and comforting meal. Enjoy your dumplings with a variety of dipping sauces and make it a family-favorite meal!