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Ever wonder how soup dumplings – also known as xiaolongbao – are able to hold soup on the inside? It is often a mystery to many and some might even say it’s “dumpling magic”. However, the secret to creating soup dumplings really comes down to expert skill and craftsmanship! It can be hard for beginner dumpling chefs to achieve the perfect soup dumpling, although we do show a demo during our dumpling parties! How Does the Soup Get Inside Believe it or not, the secret to creating soup dumplings is gelatin. Think jello! When you make jello from scratch and put it into the fridge what happens? It solidifies! Something similar happens with soup dumplings. A stock made with gelatin is boiled down and refrigerated. Once the gelatin stock is solidified, cut up and divided amongst the dumpling filling. Once…

Cultures worldwide seem to have similar ideas when it comes to food, but perhaps none is more ubiquitous (or more delicious) than the ever-popular stuffed staple food commonly referred to as a dumpling. It is known by many names around the world, with each version being tastier than the last. Dumpling is a broad class of dishes that consist of pieces of dough (made from a variety of starch sources), often wrapped around a filling. Dumplings are made in a variety of ways, which include frying, steaming, boiling, or baking. The Chinese enjoy baozi (stuffed steamed buns) and jiaozi (steamed dumplings); Argentina and Brazil enjoy empanadas; Ghanaians stuff fufu, mashed cassava, or plantain, with delectable fillings; and the Poles serve perfect pierogi. In this blog, we take around the world as we explore the history of dumplings. Why Are Dumplings…

The food that can be found all around the world, dumplings! Dumplings have been around and used in cousines for years. With each culture having their own spin on how they prep and cook the dumplings as they come in many different shapes and sizes. First lets go over what a dumpling is before going over all the different shapes and sizes they come in. What Is a Dumpling A dumpling is a mass of dough that is either boiled, fried, or steamed. Sometimes the dough will be rolled out so it can be filled after. The definition of a dumpling leaves room for disagreement over what is the best way to prepare and cook dumplings. Even in China, the birthplace of the dumpling there are many variations of the dumpling that there is no one word to describe them….

Dumplings have been around for years. They differ in size, preparation, and ingredients depending on where you find yourself. In North America dumplings are prepared in their own unique way. Check out some of the ways Americans have been preparing dumplings over the years! Boova Shenkel Boova Shenkel is an American traditional dish that originates from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Inside the dish you will find beef stew, potato dumplings that are usually giant in size. Some of the ingredient list consists of beef, eggs, potatoes, flour, parsley, lard, onions, butter, cubed bread, milk, peper, and salt. What makes the preparation of the dumplings is that they are boiled in the beef broth, then later pan fried with butter. The final product will feature a topping of beef gravy or brown butter sauce. Slippery Dumplings The slippery dumpling is an American…

Do you love to eat dumplings? If you said yes, then you may be wanting to cook your own dumplings at home. A crucial part of making your own dumplings is knowing how to fold them. In this post we are going to walk you through the four step process of how to fold your own dumplings. Prepare When it comes to folding your dumplings there are many methods that are taught or passed down. No matter the method that you use they all start with the same first two steps. When you are ready to start preparing to fold your dumplings you are going to want to dip your fingers in a bit of fresh water and moisten the outer edges of half the dumpling wrapper. Next, you will want to place your filling in the middle. The Half…

Dumplings are the staple food that is present all around Asia. Each country has their own way of cooking their dumplings. Creating a wide variety of dumplings with different flavors and styles. Even though dumplings are very tasty, are they healthy? Dumplings are usually very healthy to eat. They offer a wide variety of ingredients that add plenty of micronutrients. However, just like any food if not eaten in moderation it can be negative towards your health. Here are some tips to enjoy dumplings while staying healthy. Understand the Different Style of Dumplings Dumplings come in different shapes and sizes. Each culture has a dumpling that is specific to them and is unique. Here are some popular dumpling dishes and their nutrients that they offer. Mandu: Is a traditional Korean dumpling that is usually steamed, but can come fried or…

Dumplings can be made with a variety of tasty fillings, but an important aspect of the culinary experience of dumplings is the accompanying sauce. There are many ingredients that can be used in a dumpling sauce. A sauce can compliment the filling of a dumpling to add an even better experience. Let’s look at six sauces that you can try next time you have dumplings. Ginger & Vinegar Sauce This sauce is inspired by the traditional dipping sauce for the famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) This strand of ginger is infused in fragrant Chinese black rice vinegar. Adding a few drops of honey can help combat the sourness. Here is how it is made: 3 tablespoons black rice vinegar ¼ teaspoon of honey 1 teaspoon ginger, julienned Garlic & Vinegar Sauce This another featured sauce that is based on…

How to Make Vegetable Dumplings If you are a vegetarian that is looking for something new to try that will please your palette, look no further than these vegetable dumplings. A lot of vegetable dishes can come off tasteless and dry, leaving you desiring more. Your home does not have to be the only place that you have to enjoy these dumplings if you are not big into cooking, you can learn how to make, fold, and stuff dumplings at the Dumpling School. Now let’s go over the vegetable dumpling recipe that you can try in your home at any time. Vegetable Dumpling Recipe Instructions Start by making the dough for the dumpling wrappers, first put the flour in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the water to the flour and knead into a smooth dough. This process usually takes…

Dumplings are a type of food that are made by wrapping a dough around filling, and then cooking that dough. The dough that is used is typically made from salt, water, flour, and fat. The fillings that are found inside dumplings vary as there are many ingredients that can go into them, such as meats, vegetables, and spices. The truth of the matter is that dumplings are a good source of soluble fiber, which is a type of fiber that dissolves in water. Crunching the Numbers A single steamed dumpling comes out to 37 grams which contains 41.8% calories. That breaks down into 1.7g of fat, 4.1g of carbs, 0.4g of fiber, and 2.5g of protein. For someone that indulges on two dumplings they are looking at: 12 to 22 grams of carbs. Steamed or boiled dumplings are healthy…

Did you know there was a National Dumpling Day? Well, news flash there is! September 26th is declared National Dumpling Day. With the popularity of dumplings growing all the time, the day offers a great way to celebrate. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or the main course, each morsel satisfies. Dumplings offer so much variety and flavor. They create a beautiful accompaniment to any means, too. The endless possibilities of shape and taste make dumplings a favorite dish around the world. Dumplings consist of small pieces of dough. Generally, but not always, the dough is wrapped around a filling. Both flavor and cooking methods factor into the wide variety of dumplings available too. The dough may be composed of flour, potatoes, or bread. The fillings come in many forms meat, fish, and even vegetables. Dumplings can be cooked in many…

One of the most renowned foods throughout the world, Chinese dumplings are beloved by many for their uniqueness, delicious taste, and customizability. With fillings that can include anything from pork and beef to tofu and fruit, dumplings continue to be prepared in a myriad of different ways, however, there weren’t always so many interpretations of the dish. In today’s blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the origins of Chinese dumplings, including where they came from and when. If that sounds interesting, keep reading below for more information, or for fun dumpling-related events in greater Boston, contact us at Patty Chen’s Dumpling School! The Birth of Dumplings The exact origin of the dumpling is clouded in mystery and uncertainly, though most historians would agree that it originated sometime around 200 BCE, during the Han Dynasty. Hundreds of years…

Here at Patty Chen’s Dumpling School – or simply “The Dumpling School” – we have been about all things related to Taiwanese-American dumplings. Not only do we love them ourselves, but we offer weekly classes and even private events where we teach you how to master the art of dumpling-making. While these dumplings are a truly unique food beloved by many all over the world, you may be unfamiliar with them and want to learn more. It’s for this reason that, in today’s blog, we’ll be answering frequently asked questions (also known as FAQs) about Taiwanese-American dumplings, such as the ones that we happily make here! If that sounds interesting, keep reading below, or see our calendar of weekly events here at The Dumpling School! Q: What are the origins of Taiwanese-American dumplings? A: It is believed that recipes for…