Delightful Dumplings

This recipe makes some really delicious dumplings. They are extremely easy to make, especially if you have ever worked with dumpling or wonton wrappers before. This makes for a great appetizer for a big family dinner, a party or just to have for the week as this recipe makes a lot of them.

This recipe uses dumpling wrappers which I recommend because they are not only more convenient but you don't lose any taste by buying them pre-made.

Ingredients: (for 40-50 dumplings)

Dumplings

- 1 pound Napa cabbage finely minced, about 1/2 head

- 1 tablespoon Salt divided

- 1 pound Pork Shoulder ground

- 1 tablespoon Garlic minced

- 1 tsp Ginger (I omit this because I don't like ginger)

- 2 ounces Scallions minced

- 2 tsp Sugar

- 1 package Dumpling Wrappers 40-50

- Oil for frying

Sauce

- 1/2 Rice Vinegar

- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce

- 2 tbsp Chili Oil optional

You will need a small bowl of water to seal the dumplings, clean dish towel to clean your fingers, a bowl for the dumpling filling, a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet for finished dumplings and plastic wrap to keep the dumpling wrappers moist.

Cooking:

1. Combine cabbage and 2 tsp of the salt and let stand in a strainer for 15 minutes

2. Transfer cabbage into a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible

3. Combine pork, cabbage, remaining salt, garlic, ginger (if using), scallions and sugar

4. Taste test by cooking a teaspoon amount in the microwave on high for 10 seconds; Adjust if needed

5. To form- hold wrapper in one hand, scoop enough filling that you can still seal the wrapper, use your finger and wet it with water & run it along the edges, seal by folding into a crescent.

6. Transfer sealed dumplings onto the parchment paper and heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium; add as many that will fit in a single layer and cook until golden brown on the bottom ~1 1/2 minutes

7. Increase heat to medium-high; add 1/2 cup of water and cover with a lid. Steam for 3 minutes 5 if frozen and remove lid; continue cooking until water ve evaporated and they have crisped again ~2 minutes longer

8. Serve dumplings crisp side up

9. To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and serve with dumplings

10. Enjoy!