Newari-style Stuffed Dumplings

Ingredients

While the Turkish Içli köfte is traditionally made with bulgur wheat and ground meat, the Newari-style Stuffed Dumplings adapt the recipe to incorporate rice flour and a unique blend of spices commonly used in Newari cuisine. The filling also includes lentils, which add a distinct texture and flavor to the dumplings. The cooking technique remains similar, with the dumplings being steamed to perfection. We alse have the original recipe for Içli köfte, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) rice flour 2 cups (470ml) rice flour
• 1 cup (235ml) water 1 cup (235ml) water
• 250g ground meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) 250g ground meat (chicken, lamb, or beef)
• 1/2 cup (100g) red lentils, cooked 1/2 cup (100g) red lentils, cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and water to form a smooth dough. Set aside for 30 minutes to rest.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground meat, cooked lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Ensure the filling is well combined.
3. 3.
   Take a small portion of the rice flour dough and flatten it into a circle. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center and carefully fold the edges to seal the dumpling. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the dumplings in the oil and fry until golden brown.
5. 5.
   Remove the dumplings from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
6. 6.
   Serve the Newari-style Stuffed Dumplings hot with a side of chutney or tomato sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice flour — Ensure the rice flour is of good quality and finely ground for a smooth dough.
• Ground meat — Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option. You can also substitute with minced chicken or turkey.
• Lentils — Cook the lentils until they are soft but not mushy for the perfect texture in the filling.
• Cumin powder — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them into powder enhances the flavor.
• Coriander powder — Use freshly ground coriander seeds for a more aromatic taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the dumplings more flavorful, you can add a pinch of garam masala to the filling.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add finely chopped green chilies to the filling mixture.
• For a healthier alternative, you can steam the dumplings instead of frying them.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of traditional Newari achar (pickle) for an authentic taste.
• Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and reheated in a steamer or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Newari-style Stuffed Dumplings as an appetizer or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown dumplings on a platter, garnished with cilantro leaves. Serve with a small bowl of chutney or tomato sauce on the side for dipping.