Sarawakian Mohnzelten

Ingredients

In the original Austrian Mohnzelten, the dumplings are usually sweet and filled with a mixture of ground poppy seeds, sugar, and raisins. However, in this Sarawakian adaptation, the dumplings are transformed into a savory delight by incorporating local spices and ingredients. The filling is made with ground poppy seeds, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and shallots, giving it a unique Sarawakian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Mohnzelten, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 cup (150g) ground poppy seeds 1 cup (150g) ground poppy seeds
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Gradually add water and vegetable oil, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground poppy seeds, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper for the filling. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges over the filling, sealing the dumplings by pressing the edges together.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. 6.
   Remove the cooked dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the dumplings with beaten egg to give them a shiny glaze.
8. 8.
   Bake the dumplings for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Serve the Sarawakian Mohnzelten warm as a snack or dessert.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Poppy seeds — Toast the poppy seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before grinding them.
• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass stalks before finely chopping them. Use only the tender inner parts for the filling.
• Ginger — Peel the ginger before grating it to ensure a smooth texture in the filling.
• Shallots — Finely chop the shallots to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the filling.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-tasting vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, for both the dough and the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a small amount of sugar or honey to the filling.
• Experiment with different spices like turmeric or cumin to add an extra layer of flavor to the filling.
• Serve the Mohnzelten with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick.
• These dumplings can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• If you don't have lemongrass, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of lemongrass paste.

Serving advice

Serve the Sarawakian Mohnzelten warm as a snack or dessert. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mohnzelten on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, to add a pop of color. Dust them with a sprinkle of ground poppy seeds for an elegant touch.