Chinese Imperial Tomato Dumplings

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have transformed the Sicilian Lardari al pomodoro into Chinese Imperial Tomato Dumplings by incorporating Chinese culinary techniques and flavors. The original dish's pasta dough has been replaced with a combination of wheat and rice flour dumpling wrappers. Additionally, the filling now includes traditional Chinese ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and Chinese spices, giving it an authentic Chinese taste. We alse have the original recipe for Lardari al pomodoro, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) wheat flour 300g (10.5 oz) wheat flour
• 100g (3.5 oz) rice flour 100g (3.5 oz) rice flour
• 4 ripe tomatoes, finely diced 4 ripe tomatoes, finely diced
• 200g (7 oz) minced pork 200g (7 oz) minced pork
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for dusting) 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for dusting)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour and rice flour. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, minced pork, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tomato-pork mixture and cook until the pork is fully cooked and the tomatoes have softened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the tomato-pork filling in the center of each wrapper.
5. 5.
   Fold the wrapper in half and seal the edges by pleating or pressing with a fork. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. 6.
   Dust a steamer basket with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, leaving space between each dumpling.
7. 7.
   Steam the dumplings over high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Chinese Imperial Tomato Dumplings hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. Remove the seeds before dicing to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the minced pork with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
• To enhance the flavor, add a splash of Chinese black vinegar to the filling mixture.
• Serve the dumplings with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of chili oil for an extra kick.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can use a bamboo steamer or a metal colander placed over a pot of boiling water.
• Leftover dumplings can be frozen and steamed again when desired.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Imperial Tomato Dumplings as a main course or as part of a dim sum feast. Accompany them with a variety of dipping sauces and enjoy their succulent flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed dumplings on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh green onions. The vibrant red color of the dumplings will be visually striking against the green garnish.