Romani-style Dumplings with Savory Filling

Ingredients

In this Romani adaptation, we infuse the traditional American Slippery Dumplings with the unique flavors and ingredients of Romani cuisine. The filling is enhanced with Romani spices and herbs, such as paprika, cumin, and thyme, to create a distinct flavor profile. The dough is also modified to incorporate Romani culinary traditions, resulting in a slightly different texture and taste. We alse have the original recipe for Slippery Dumplings, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, lamb, or pork) 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, lamb, or pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce: For the sauce:
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Gradually add the water and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
5. 5.
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
6. 6.
7. 7.
   On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut the dough into small squares or circles, approximately 2 inches in size.
8. 8.
9. 9.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough square or circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the dumplings.
10. 10.
11. 11.
    In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the tomato paste and stir until dissolved. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling broth and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
12. 12.
13. 13.
    Remove the dumplings from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to serving bowls. Stir in the sour cream into the broth to create a creamy sauce. Pour the sauce over the dumplings and garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Choose a lean meat option for a healthier version of the dish.
• Paprika — Opt for sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference for flavor intensity.
• Tomato paste — Use a high-quality tomato paste to enhance the richness of the sauce.
• Sour cream — For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Fresh parsley — Add a vibrant touch to the dish by using fresh parsley as a garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Experiment with different fillings such as mushrooms, spinach, or cheese to add variety to the dumplings.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
• If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly dust it with flour while rolling and shaping the dumplings.
• Leftover dumplings can be reheated by gently simmering them in broth or sauce to maintain their tenderness.

Serving advice

Serve the Romani-style dumplings hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany them with a generous ladle of the creamy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an enticing presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings in a shallow bowl, allowing the sauce to pool around them. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside warm bread or steamed rice to complete the meal.