Hakka-style Sweet Corn Dumplings

Ingredients

In this Hakka adaptation, we infuse the traditional Argentinian Humitas dulces with Hakka flavors and techniques. While the original dish is typically sweet and served as a dessert, our version incorporates savory elements and is enjoyed as a main course or appetizer. We use Hakka spices and seasonings to enhance the flavors, and the dumplings are steamed instead of baked or grilled, as is common in Hakka cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Humitas dulces, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) fresh sweet corn kernels 2 cups (300g) fresh sweet corn kernels
• 1 cup (150g) glutinous rice flour 1 cup (150g) glutinous rice flour
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon Hakka five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Hakka five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a blender or food processor, blend the sweet corn kernels until smooth.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn puree, glutinous rice flour, vegetable oil, ginger, garlic, Hakka five-spice powder, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until a smooth and slightly sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Take a small portion of the dough and shape it into a ball. Flatten the ball with your palms to form a disc.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the corn filling in the center of the disc. Fold the edges of the disc over the filling, sealing it to form a dumpling shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
6. 6.
   Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Steam the dumplings over high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumpling wrappers are cooked through and the filling is tender.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet corn kernels — Use fresh corn kernels for the best flavor. If fresh corn is not available, you can use canned corn kernels, but make sure to drain them well before blending.
• Glutinous rice flour — This flour is also known as sticky rice flour or sweet rice flour. It gives the dumplings their chewy texture. If you can't find glutinous rice flour, you can substitute it with regular rice flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
• Hakka five-spice powder — This spice blend typically includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. If you can't find Hakka five-spice powder, you can use regular Chinese five-spice powder as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add finely chopped scallions or cilantro to the corn filling.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili powder or finely chopped chili peppers to the filling.
• Serve the dumplings with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil for added flavor.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a bamboo steamer or improvise by placing a heatproof plate or rack inside a large pot with a lid.
• Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and reheated by steaming for a few minutes or pan-frying until heated through.

Serving advice

Serve the Hakka-style Sweet Corn Dumplings as a main course or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed dumplings on a serving platter, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve them hot. The vibrant yellow color of the dumplings will make them visually appealing.