Shaanxi-style Stuffed Dumplings

Ingredients

While the original Italian Cjarsons typically feature a sweet filling with ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, and cheese, the Shaanxi-style Stuffed Dumplings take a savory turn. The filling is adapted to include minced meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices commonly found in Shaanxi cuisine. Additionally, the use of Sichuan peppercorns adds a distinct flavor profile and a touch of spiciness to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cjarsons, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) all-purpose flour 300g (10.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 150ml (5 fl oz) water 150ml (5 fl oz) water
• 200g (7 oz) ground pork 200g (7 oz) ground pork
• 100g (3.5 oz) cabbage, finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) cabbage, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and water. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined.
3. 3.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing firmly.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. 6.
   Remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Ensure the ground pork is fresh and lean for the best flavor and texture.
• Cabbage — Finely chop the cabbage to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Crush the Sichuan peppercorns just before using to preserve their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of crushed Sichuan peppercorns.
• Serve the dumplings with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of chili oil for an extra kick.
• Experiment with different fillings such as mushrooms, tofu, or shrimp to create your own variations.
• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Leftover dumplings can be pan-fried for a crispy texture the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Shaanxi-style Stuffed Dumplings as a main course or as part of a larger Shaanxi-inspired feast. Accompany them with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro. The vibrant colors of the filling will be visually appealing against the pale dumpling wrappers.