Madrid-style Stuffed Dumplings

Ingredients

In this Madrid-style adaptation, we incorporate Spanish ingredients and flavors to give the traditional Chinese dumplings a unique twist. The original Shuǐjiǎo typically consists of a filling made with ground pork and vegetables, wrapped in a thin dough. However, in this recipe, we substitute some of the traditional ingredients with Spanish chorizo and Manchego cheese, infusing the dumplings with a rich and smoky flavor. Additionally, we serve the dumplings with a tangy tomato sauce, which is a departure from the traditional soy-based dipping sauce. We alse have the original recipe for Shuǐjiǎo, 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
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
• 1/4 pound (115g) Spanish chorizo, finely chopped 1/4 pound (115g) Spanish chorizo, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Manchego cheese 1/4 cup (30g) grated Manchego cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the tomato sauce: For the tomato sauce:
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground pork, chorizo, Manchego cheese, minced garlic, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper for the filling. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic for the tomato sauce and sauté until translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half, sealing the edges by pressing firmly with your fingers. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
6. 6.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. 7.
   Remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve the Madrid-style Stuffed Dumplings with the tomato sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — Make sure to finely chop the chorizo to ensure it blends well with the other filling ingredients.
• Manchego cheese — Grate the Manchego cheese just before using to preserve its freshness and flavor.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the filling.
• Crushed tomatoes — If you prefer a smoother tomato sauce, you can blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the saucepan.
• Dough — When rolling out the dough, sprinkle some flour on the surface to prevent sticking.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling and tomato sauce in advance and refrigerate them until ready to use.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or olives to customize the dumplings to your taste.
• If you prefer a spicier tomato sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the dumplings as an appetizer or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad.
• Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Madrid-style Stuffed Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Accompany them with a side of the zesty tomato sauce for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing. Drizzle a little tomato sauce over the dumplings and sprinkle some grated Manchego cheese on top for an extra touch of elegance.