Albanian-style Stuffed Dumplings

Ingredients

In the Albanian adaptation of Chaoshou, the traditional Chinese dumplings are transformed into a unique dish by incorporating Albanian flavors and ingredients. The filling is prepared with a blend of herbs and spices commonly used in Albanian cuisine, giving it a distinct taste. Additionally, the dumplings are served with a rich tomato sauce, which is not typically found in the original Chinese version. We alse have the original recipe for Chaoshou, so you can check it out.

• For the dumplings: For the dumplings:
• 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef or lamb 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 30 dumpling wrappers 30 dumpling wrappers
• For the tomato sauce: For the tomato sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, sealing the edges tightly. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the dumplings from the pot and set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the cooked dumplings with the tomato sauce on top. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Choose lean ground beef or lamb for a healthier option. Make sure the meat is well-seasoned for a flavorful filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat filling.
• To save time, you can prepare the dumplings in advance and freeze them. Just boil them when you're ready to serve.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Serve the dumplings with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Leftover dumplings can be pan-fried for a crispy texture the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Albanian-style stuffed dumplings as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a larger Albanian feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, drizzle the tomato sauce over them, and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an appealing presentation.