Jiangxi-style Pastelitos Criollos

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have replaced the traditional empanada dough with a combination of wheat and rice flour dumpling wrappers commonly used in Jiangxi cuisine. The filling has been modified to include ingredients commonly found in Jiangxi, such as cabbage and scallions, and seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to infuse it with Chinese flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Pastelitos Criollos, so you can check it out.

• Dumpling wrappers: Dumpling wrappers:
• 2 cups (250g) wheat flour 2 cups (250g) wheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) rice flour 1 cup (120g) rice flour
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Filling: Filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1 cup (150g) cabbage, finely chopped 1 cup (150g) cabbage, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) carrots, grated 1/2 cup (75g) carrots, grated
• 3 scallions, finely chopped 3 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 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 chili oil (optional) 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the wheat flour, rice flour, water, and salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground pork, cabbage, carrots, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and black pepper until 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 of about 3 inches (7.5cm) in diameter.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges by pressing firmly with your fingers or using a fork.
5. 5.
   Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
6. 6.
   While the dumplings are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil (if using) in a small bowl.
7. 7.
   Serve the Jiangxi-style Pastelitos Criollos hot, with the dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.
• Cabbage — Remove the tough outer leaves and finely chop the tender parts for a better texture in the filling.
• Rice flour — If you can't find rice flour, you can make your own by grinding uncooked rice in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine powder consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer basket, line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.
• If you prefer a spicier dipping sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• These dumplings can be made in advance and frozen. Simply steam them for a few extra minutes when cooking from frozen.

Serving advice

Serve the Jiangxi-style Pastelitos Criollos as an appetizer or as part of a dim sum feast. They pair well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed dumplings on a platter and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Serve the dipping sauce in small individual bowls alongside the dumplings.