Chinese Islamic Style Stuffed Buckwheat Dumplings

Ingredients

In the Chinese Islamic adaptation of Ajdovi krapi, we substitute the traditional Slovenian filling with a mixture of ground lamb or beef, fragrant spices like cumin and coriander, and fresh herbs such as cilantro and green onions. The addition of soy sauce and sesame oil infuses the dish with Chinese Islamic flavors. The dumplings are also served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. We alse have the original recipe for Ajdovi krapi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) buckwheat flour 2 cups (250g) buckwheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1 pound (450g) ground lamb or beef 1 pound (450g) ground lamb or beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Dipping sauce: Dipping sauce:
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil 1 tablespoon chili oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground lamb or beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Set aside.
3. 3.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm). Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. 6.
   While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil in a small bowl.
7. 7.
   Remove the cooked dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and serve hot with the dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Buckwheat flour — Ensure that the buckwheat flour is fresh and has a pleasant aroma. If possible, use stone-ground buckwheat flour for a more authentic flavor.
• Ground lamb or beef — Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option. If desired, you can mix lamb and beef for a more complex flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for a high-quality soy sauce to enhance the taste of the filling. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
• Rice vinegar — Look for rice vinegar that is specifically labeled as halal to ensure it meets the dietary requirements of Chinese Islamic cuisine.
• Chili oil — Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dipping sauce or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover dumplings can be pan-fried for a crispy texture the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Islamic Style Stuffed Buckwheat Dumplings hot, accompanied by the tangy and spicy dipping sauce. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and green onions for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, ensuring they are neatly folded and sealed. Drizzle the dipping sauce over the dumplings or serve it in a small bowl on the side. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top for an appealing presentation.