These vegetable dumplings are a delightful and nutritious treat, perfect for any occasion. Filled with a mixture of cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and aromatic spices, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite. These dumplings are not only delicious but also vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt (for wilting cabbage)
- 8 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 3/4 cup firm tofu, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic, finely grated
- 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
- 2 tbsp green onion, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp finely grated potato
- 1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt (for filling)
- 2 pinches white pepper
- 30-35 round dumpling wrappers
- 2-3 tbsp canola oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup water per cooking batch
Directions:
- Wilt the Cabbage:
- Toss the finely chopped cabbage with 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Set aside for 20 minutes to allow the cabbage to wilt.
- Squeeze out any excess water from the wilted cabbage.
- Soak the Mushrooms:
- Rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms in boiling water for 30 minutes.
- Squeeze out the excess liquid from the mushrooms and finely chop them.
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Dice the firm tofu into small cubes.
- Grate the Potato:
- Finely grate a potato and measure out 2 tablespoons of the grated potato, including its liquid.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the wilted cabbage, chopped mushrooms, diced tofu, grated potato, garlic, ginger, green onion, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Wrap the Dumplings:
- Place a dumpling wrapper in your hand and wet the edge with a little water.
- Place about a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper in half and pleat the edges to seal the dumpling tightly.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of canola oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the dumplings in the skillet and fry until the base is golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet, cover, and steam the dumplings for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook until the base is crispy again.
- Serve:
- Transfer the cooked dumplings to a plate and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions: These vegetable dumplings are best served with a simple soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce or a spicy chili oil. They make a great appetizer for parties, a satisfying main course, or a delicious snack.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the cabbage is thoroughly wilted and excess water is squeezed out to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.
- You can freeze the dumplings before cooking. Just place them on a tray to freeze individually and then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding an extra minute to the steaming time.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free dumpling wrappers or make your own with rice flour.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamins C and K.
- Shiitake mushrooms provide a good source of fiber and B vitamins.
- Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein and contains all nine essential amino acids.
- Ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, boosting overall health.
Dietary Information:
- Calories: Approximately 40 kcal per dumpling
- Servings: 30-35 dumplings
- Vegan and Vegetarian: Suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wrappers for a gluten-free version.
- Low-Fat: These dumplings are relatively low in fat, especially when pan-fried with minimal oil.
Why This Recipe Works: This recipe combines the hearty textures and flavors of cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu with aromatic spices, creating a filling that is both satisfying and healthy. The dumplings are steamed and then crisped, giving them a perfect texture—crispy on the bottom and tender on top. The use of fresh ingredients and the careful balance of flavors ensure that each bite is delicious and nutritious.
Conclusion: Vegetable dumplings are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. They are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a simple snack, these dumplings are sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes in these homemade vegetable dumplings!