Sichuan Style Zhong Shui Jiao Recipe (Caramelized Onion, Cabbage, and Peas Dumplings in Red Oil)
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with the Sichuan Style Zhong Shui Jiao, a dish celebrated for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the vibrant essence of Sichuan cuisine. This recipe features tender dumplings filled with caramelized onions, crisp cabbage, and sweet peas, all enveloped in a savory and spicy red oil. Perfect as a side dish or an appetizer, these dumplings promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) | 1 cup (shredded) |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1/2 cup |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 2 sprigs (chopped) |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chili Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Additional Red Chili Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Soy Sauce | 5 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 5 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 2 inches |
| Star Anise | 1 piece |
| Ginger | 1 inch (sliced) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 220 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration (mins) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 |
| Cooking | 45 |
| Total Time | 65 |
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Type: Sichuan
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
Begin your culinary journey by creating the dumpling wrappers. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a tablespoon of sunflower oil. Gradually add enough water to form a soft dough, ensuring it’s not sticky. Once the dough reaches the desired consistency, cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. -
-
Make the Filling:
For the delicious filling, heat a heavy-bottomed shallow pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of sunflower oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, introduce the chopped onions, shredded cabbage, green peas, and spring onions, cooking for about 10 minutes. The goal is to soften the cabbage while keeping its crunch. Once cooked, add soy sauce, Sichuan chili paste, honey, and salt to taste, tossing everything together to ensure the vegetables are well coated. Set aside to cool. -
Prepare the Chili Oil:
In a small, flat-bottomed pan, heat 4 tablespoons of sesame oil. Add the Sichuan chili paste and sesame seeds, allowing them to infuse into the oil for a few minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Concentrate the Soy Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, ginger, and water. Heat over low flame, allowing it to simmer gently. Stir occasionally and let it reduce for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once done, turn off the heat and allow it to cool. -
Shape the Dumplings:
Now it’s time to form your dumplings! Divide the dough into small, even balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into thin circles, ensuring they are uniform in thickness. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to help seal the dumplings. Place a teaspoon of the cooled filling in the center of each wrapper, dab the edges with water, and fold the dough over to create a taco shape. Pinch the edges together, sealing well to prevent any filling from escaping. -
Steam the Dumplings:
Prepare your steamer by adding one cup of water to the bottom and bringing it to a boil. Lightly grease the steaming plate to prevent sticking. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the dumplings in the steamer, cover, and let them cook for about 5 minutes until tender and translucent. -
Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the dumplings to a serving plate. Drizzle with a teaspoon of the prepared chili oil and the concentrated soy sauce. Serve warm, and enjoy your Sichuan Style Zhong Shui Jiao as a flavorful side dish or appetizer alongside your favorite meal.
Conclusion
These Sichuan Style Zhong Shui Jiao dumplings, bursting with the flavors of caramelized onions, cabbage, and peas, offer a delightful twist on traditional dumplings. The combination of savory filling, aromatic spices, and a kick of heat makes them a must-try for any dumpling enthusiast. Pair them with a refreshing dipping sauce for an added layer of flavor, and savor the delicious experience!
