Gebzhalia-inspired East Asian Dumplings

Ingredients

While the original Gebzhalia is a Georgian dish typically made with cheese and herbs, this adapted recipe transforms it into East Asian-style dumplings. The filling incorporates traditional East Asian ingredients such as ground meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices, giving it a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the cooking methods for these dumplings differ from the original dish, offering versatility in preparation. We alse have the original recipe for Gebzhalia, so you can check it out.

• Dumpling wrappers: Dumpling wrappers:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Filling: Filling:
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground meat (pork, chicken, or beef) 1/2 pound (225g) ground meat (pork, chicken, or beef)
• 1 cup (150g) finely chopped cabbage 1 cup (150g) finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup (75g) finely chopped mushrooms 1/2 cup (75g) finely chopped mushrooms
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Dipping sauce: Dipping sauce:
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional) 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, warm water, and salt for the dumpling wrappers. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground meat, chopped cabbage, mushrooms, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and pepper for the filling. Ensure the ingredients are well combined.
3. 3.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling. Pleat the edges if desired.
5. 5.
   To cook the dumplings, you can choose one of the following methods:
6. 6.
   - Steaming: Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam for 10-12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
7. 7.
   - Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook for 6-8 minutes until they float to the surface.
8. 8.
   - Pan-frying: Heat some oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Add a splash of water, cover the pan, and steam for an additional 4-5 minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked.
9. 9.
   While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (if desired), and chili flakes (if desired) in a small bowl.
10. 10.
    Serve the Gebzhalia-inspired East Asian dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dumpling wrappers — If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use rice paper wrappers or make your own using rice flour.
• Ground meat — Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground tofu or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian version.
• Cabbage — Ensure the cabbage is finely chopped to ensure even distribution within the filling.
• Mushrooms — Use any variety of mushrooms you prefer, such as shiitake or button mushrooms, for added umami flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your sodium intake.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the dumpling filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• If you have trouble sealing the dumplings, lightly wet the edges of the wrapper with water to help them stick together.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as a spicy chili oil or a tangy ginger-soy sauce.
• Leftover dumplings can be frozen for future enjoyment. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag or container.

Serving advice

Serve the Gebzhalia-inspired East Asian dumplings as an appetizer or main course. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Provide small bowls of the dipping sauce alongside the dumplings for guests to enjoy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked dumplings on a serving platter in a circular pattern, with the pleated edges facing up. Drizzle a small amount of the dipping sauce over the dumplings for an appetizing touch. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil, to add a pop of color.