Meat dumplings

Meat Dumplings: A Traditional Delight for Every Occasion

Today, I invite you to prepare together a delicious recipe, meat dumplings, an appetizer that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These dumplings are perfect for any occasion: a family dinner, a party with friends, or simply to enjoy a tasty dish. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 250 ml of warm milk

For the filling:
- 500 g of minced meat (a mix of pork and beef, but you can use any type of meat you prefer)
- 2 white onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 eggs (for the filling)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste (for a spicy kick, add a little cayenne pepper or hot paprika)
- 1 egg for brushing

History of the recipe

Dumplings are a traditional dish, appreciated in many culinary cultures around the world. Over time, they have evolved, with each region having its own version, but the essence remains the same: a delicious dough filled with various ingredients. It is said that these dumplings symbolize hospitality, often served during holidays and family gatherings.

Preparing the dough

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and even dough. Add the baking powder and salt, mixing well.

2. Adding wet ingredients: In the center of the flour, make a well and add the eggs. Gradually pour in the warm milk, mixing with a fork or your hands. This is the perfect time to let your imagination run wild. You can add flavors like vanilla or lemon zest if you want to experiment.

3. Kneading the dough: Once the ingredients are combined, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is crucial for getting fluffy dumplings. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes covered with a damp cloth.

Preparing the filling

1. Chopping the vegetables: Peel and finely chop the onion and bell pepper. These vegetables will add a fresh and aromatic taste to the filling.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, heat a little olive oil and add the onion and bell pepper. Let them sauté over medium heat until they become translucent and lightly golden. This step will enhance the flavors.

3. Mixing the filling: Allow the vegetables to cool slightly, then add the minced meat, the 3 eggs, chopped dill, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Forming the dumplings

1. Rolling out the dough: On a floured work surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet using a rolling pin. It is recommended to roll it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.

2. Cutting and filling: Using a knife or a glass, cut the dough into squares of about 10x10 cm. On each square, place a teaspoon of filling. Fold the corners of the square over the filling, forming a triangle. Press the edges well with a fork to seal them.

3. Brushing the dumplings: Place the dumplings on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat an egg and brush each dumpling with a pastry brush. This step will give a beautiful golden color at the end.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Baking: Bake the dumplings for 20 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. You will be greeted by a delicious aroma that will fill the entire house.

Serving and variations

Meat dumplings are served warm, alongside fine sour cream, tomato sauce, or even a spicy sauce, depending on your preferences. You can experiment with various fillings: cheese, mushrooms, or caramelized vegetables – the choice is yours!

Practical tips

- Freezing: Dumplings can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and freeze, then transfer them to a sealed bag. When you want to prepare them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of meat dumplings contains about 400-500 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good source of protein due to the meat and eggs, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken or turkey meat?
Yes, you can use any type of meat you prefer, including chicken or turkey, for a lighter version.

2. How can I make the dumplings lower in calories?
Use lean meat and reduce the amount of oil used in the filling. You can also opt for a dough recipe with less flour.

3. What drinks go well with meat dumplings?
A refreshing drink, a dry white wine, or even a herbal tea can perfectly accompany this appetizer.

Meat dumplings are an excellent choice for any meal, being not only delicious but also nourishing. Experiment with different fillings and spices to create unique versions of this traditional recipe. Enjoy your meal!