Arabic-style Radicchio Dumplings

Ingredients

In the original Italian dish, Canederli al radicchio, the dumplings are typically made with ingredients like stale bread, eggs, milk, and radicchio. The dumplings are then boiled and served with a butter and cheese sauce. In this Arab-inspired adaptation, the dumplings are flavored with a blend of Middle Eastern spices and herbs, and cooked in a tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom. This fusion of flavors adds a unique twist to the traditional Italian dish, creating a delightful cross-cultural culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Canederli al radicchio, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) radicchio, finely chopped 2 cups (240g) radicchio, finely chopped
• 1 cup (120g) bread crumbs 1 cup (120g) bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped radicchio, bread crumbs, cumin, coriander, turmeric, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small dumplings, about the size of golf balls.
3. 3.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Gently place the radicchio dumplings into the simmering sauce. Cover the skillet and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   Serve the Arabic-style Radicchio Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Radicchio — Make sure to finely chop the radicchio to ensure even distribution throughout the dumplings.
• Bread crumbs — If you don't have bread crumbs on hand, you can make your own by toasting stale bread and processing it in a food processor until you have fine crumbs.
• Ground spices — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom. If using pre-ground spices, make sure they are not expired for optimal taste.
• Vegetable broth — If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the dumplings, you can lightly toast the bread crumbs before adding them to the mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dumpling mixture.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of Arabic flatbread or rice for a complete meal.
• If you want to add a touch of sweetness to the dish, you can drizzle some pomegranate molasses over the dumplings before serving.
• Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. They can also be frozen for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Arabic-style Radicchio Dumplings as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a serving platter, spooning the tomato-based sauce over them. Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top for an attractive presentation. Serve with warm Arabic flatbread on the side.