Mālaʻai Garden Club-Dumplings

Apr 12

Amazing Mālaʻai Dumplings

Did you know that this traditional Chinese dumpling is believed to bring good luck to those who eat them. It is also symbolic of bringing the family together because of how they are blended and bundled together. When prepared by our students, we all sat on a long table and shared in this dumpling meal together.

Ingredients (makes 7-8 dozen dumplings)

1 ½ pounds ground pork or organic ground turkey or chicken

3 pounds green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, swiss chard, kale or arugula

½ cup chopped cilantro

½ cup finely chopped green onion

1 cup grated kabocha squash

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 teaspoons of salt

2 teaspoons fish sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce or Bragg's coconut aminos

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

½ teaspoon pepper

1 egg

½ cup water for assembling the dumplings

3 packages of dumpling wrappers

Prepared dipping sauces such as ponzu, chili sauce or hoisin

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the ground meat, cilantro, green onions, kabocha, sesame oil, salt, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger and pepper. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 1 hour.

While the meat is marinating, blanch the washed leafy greens for 2 minutes in boiling water and then submerge the greens in ice water, Strain the greens and squeeze them to remove excess water. Finely chop the greens.

2. Add the greens, kabocha and egg to the meat mixture. Blend it all for 6-8 minutes so that the mixture is very well blended.

3. Forming the dumplings: Fill each wrapper with about a tablespoon of filling. Wet your finger in water, then run it along the edges of the wrapper. This will help keep it closed.

4. Pan fry the dumplings: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Lightly fry the dumplings until the bottoms are golden.

5. Steam the dumplings: Add 1/3 cup of water, cover with a tight fitting lid and steam the dumplings until the water has cooked away. Uncover and cook for another 2 minutes over medium-low heat.

6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve your dumplings with soy sauce or ponzu sauce