Rice dumplings with pumpkin - gluten-free recipe

Pumpkin Rice Dumplings – A Delicious Gluten-Free Treat

Do you love pumpkin? Then get ready to fall in love with this wonderful recipe for pumpkin rice dumplings! This is a perfect option for anyone looking for a gluten-free recipe, as well as for those wanting to discover a sweet and filling combination. Plus, the dumplings are an excellent choice to delight the little ones. Ready to start your culinary adventure? Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200g rice flour blend
- 20g coconut flour (optional, but gives a special flavor)
- 5g psyllium powder (optional, to improve the dough's texture)
- 1 egg (optional, for a richer consistency)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, but adds an exotic taste)
- 50ml warm water (approximately, depending on the desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon palm oil (or other vegetable oil, except olive oil)

For the filling:
- 300g finely grated pumpkin (you can use baked or raw pumpkin)
- 50g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm and comforting flavor)

For decoration:
- Chopped nuts (for added texture)
- Powdered sugar (to add a touch of sweetness)

Making the Dough

1. Start by combining the dry ingredients for the dough. In a large bowl or food processor, mix the rice flour, coconut flour, psyllium powder (if using), vanilla sugar, and cardamom powder. These ingredients will form the perfect base for your dough.

2. If you choose to use an egg, add it now to the dry ingredient mixture. Mix well to incorporate the egg.

3. Add the palm oil and mix again. Begin to gradually add warm water, a little at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Your goal is to achieve a soft dough consistency that does not stick to your hands.

4. Once the dough is formed, remove it from the processor (or bowl) and knead it gently with your hands. Place it in a covered bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This step is essential to allow the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to handle.

Making the Filling

1. While the dough is resting, it's time to prepare the filling. If using raw pumpkin, grate it. If you have baked pumpkin, make sure it is well mashed.

2. In a bowl, mix the grated pumpkin with sugar and cinnamon. Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar according to your preferences. Pumpkin has a natural sweetness that can vary, so it’s good to ensure the filling is to your liking.

Forming the Dumplings

1. After the dough has rested, remove it from the refrigerator. Roll it out on a surface sprinkled with rice flour until you get a thin sheet about 2-3 mm thick.

2. Using a ravioli cutter or a glass, cut circles from the dough. Make sure they are large enough to add the filling.

3. On each dough circle, place a teaspoon of pumpkin filling. Be careful not to add too much filling, or the dumplings may break during boiling.

4. Carefully seal the dumplings by running your fingers along the edges to remove air and close them well. The dough is fragile, so handle it gently.

Boiling the Dumplings

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to season the water.

2. When the water is boiling, carefully add the dumplings. Boil them for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface. This is a sign that they are ready!

3. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and let them drain on a paper towel or plate.

Serving the Dumplings

1. Once the dumplings are ready, you can serve them with a drizzle of melted butter (optional) and sprinkle with chopped nuts and powdered sugar for an appealing visual effect and delicious taste.

2. These pumpkin rice dumplings are perfect for enjoying warm, alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Plus, you can experiment with various sauces or toppings, such as caramel sauce or a spoonful of sour cream for a contrast of flavors.

Tips and Tricks

- If you want to ensure your dough is perfect, you can do a test with a small piece of dough before forming all the dumplings. Boil a small dumpling to check the texture and taste.
- Experiment with different spices for the filling, such as ginger or nutmeg, for a personalized touch.
- The dumplings can be frozen! Place them on a tray in the freezer until completely frozen, then you can store them in an airtight container for easy access anytime.

Nutrition and Benefits

These pumpkin rice dumplings are not only delicious but also healthy! Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, providing a boost of antioxidants and fiber. Rice flour is a fantastic alternative for those following a gluten-free diet, and using natural ingredients contributes to a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of flour for this dough?
- Rice flour is the most suitable for achieving a gluten-free texture, but you can experiment with almond or corn flour for a different flavor.

2. What other fillings can I use?
- You can try cheese, potato, or even mushroom fillings to diversify the recipe.

3. How can I make the dumplings lower in calories?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use healthier oils, such as coconut oil.

Conclusion

Pumpkin rice dumplings are a delicious and versatile choice for any meal. With our simple and quick recipe, you can impress your family and friends, and the little ones will be delighted by their sweet taste and attractive shape. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s enjoy this culinary experience together! You might even invent your own version that becomes a favorite in your family!