Italian-American Style Stuffed Rice Dumplings

Ingredients

In this Italian-American adaptation of Zongzi, we replace the traditional Chinese ingredients with Italian-American flavors. Instead of using bamboo leaves, we use parchment paper to wrap the dumplings. The filling is made with Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and herbs, which adds a distinct Italian-American taste to the dish. The cooking technique remains the same, with the dumplings being steamed to perfection. We alse have the original recipe for Zongzi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Parchment paper, cut into 6x6 inch squares Parchment paper, cut into 6x6 inch squares

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 2 hours, then drain.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Add the soaked glutinous rice to the skillet and mix well with the sausage and vegetables. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Take a square of parchment paper and place a spoonful of the rice mixture in the center. Fold the paper into a triangle, enclosing the rice mixture. Fold the edges to seal the dumpling.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining rice mixture and parchment paper squares.
6. 6.
   Place the dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
7. 7.
   Remove the dumplings from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before soaking.
• Italian sausage — Use a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
• Bell pepper and onion — Dice them finely to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Dried herbs — If you prefer, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of marinara sauce for an extra Italian-American touch.
• These dumplings can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply reheat them in a steamer before serving.
• Experiment with different fillings such as ground beef, mushrooms, or spinach to create your own variations.
• Garnish the dumplings with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added pop of color and freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian-American Style Stuffed Rice Dumplings as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad. They can also be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs. The parchment paper wrapping adds a rustic and charming touch to the presentation.