I firmly believe that dumplings are the key to happiness. They are food’s equivalent to a pillow and everyone loves pillows. So plush, lovable, heartwarming, and comforting.
Sometimes, I am faced with the difficult task of being acquainted with people who 1.) do not know what dumplings are or 2.) have known what dumplings are and have CHOSEN to go their entire lives without eating them. Absolute blasphemy. Anyways, I realize that those people are oppressed and need to be informed asap about the thriving world of dumplings.
I’m an OG dumpling fan, Chinese-style peking-ravioli have my heart. However, I want to be inclusive in my dumpling appreciation so I am going to touch upon the beauty of each culture’s form of a dumpling. You may find yourself wondering why so many cultures have a variation of a dumpling. That, my dear, is because dumplings are simply superior to all other foods. Duh.
The Dumpling (AKA Peking Ravioli; AKA potstickers; AKA jiaozi): China
*Swoon,* in my personal opinion, peking ravioli is the KING of all dumplings. These bad boys are thick AF, admirably portioned, perfectly fried or steamed, and absolutely delightful. So wholesome. Round. Snuggable. Wrapped within the thick layer of dough are minced vegetables and pork, and this wonderful combination is topped off with a side of soy and sesame-based sauce. Soup dumplings are also quite an experience, but be careful not to bite into them too quickly because the scorching hot liquid will erratically explode and burn your entire throat :’)… *Just girly things.*
[I don’t dig calling them potstickers because potstickers are… significantly less cared for. You can pretty much find potstickers in random locations like your local Applebees and they are the size of an acorn. They are still a member of the dumpling family, but I see them as the Americanized version aka the less ideal version.]
Gyoza: Japan
These are almost the exact same as dumplings, however, Japanese restaurants categorize them under the name “Gyoza.” These thin layers of dough are typically filled with minced pork and vegetables. Gyoza are the smaller, less thick version of Chinese dumplings and are ordered more as an appetizer than as a dish. Shumai is also a member of the dumpling family—they are typically stuffed with shrimp and served steamed.
Pierogi: Poland (and elsewhere in Central / Eastern Europe)
Pierogi are game changers. Wrapped in wheat flour dough and primarily stuffed with potato, ground meat, cheese, onion, cabbage, and sauerkraut, these are bound to keep your tummy happy and warm. Pierogi are usually topped off with sour cream and bacon bits, making the whole experience of eating them a total treat.
Empanada: South America (Argentina, Belize, Chile, Venezuela, etc.)
¿Como se dice “f*** me up”? These crispy, golden brown puff pastries of delight are stuffed with variations of ground beef, corn, onion, cheese, garlic, potato, and sometimes egg.
Samosa: India
Oh my lawd. These flaky pastries are packed tight with minced potato, lamb, beef, peas, onion, and lentils. They are served fresh with sauces of varying levels of spice. Absolutely mouth-watering pockets of edible GOLD.
Knish: Eastern Europe
Derived from Yiddish origin, Knish are stuffed with mashed potato, ground meat, sauerkraut, cheese, and onion. These savory ingredients are wrapped in dough which is then baked, fried, or grilled.
Ravioli: Italy
Betcha never thought of your favorite Italian food as a variation of a dumpling…. But it totally is. These beauties are usually served in a thick, heavy sauce. They are stuffed with anything and everything delicious– chicken, lamb, sausage, lobster, spinach, cheese, tomato, mushroom, onion…the list is endless. Buon appetito!
Pelmeni: Russia
You guessed it. These lil circular balls of happiness are the Russian variation of dumplings. These are stuffed with minced meat like lamb, pork, beef, as well as chopped onion and garlic. These are often accompanied by a light broth, making them the perfect savory treat during the winter szn.
Pizza Rolls: The United States
And last but not least, the almighty pizza roll. Like a true American recipe, these are best prepared using the ever-trusted microwave and best consumed with sauce. They are simply a bite sized roll-up of nearly every American’s favorite food: pizza. Can’t get more wholesome than that. (Except you easily can, see any other cultures form of dumpling and get back to me).
There’s a reason every culture has some variation of a dumpling. It is because they are truly unrivaled in terms of the amount of joy one feels when eating a singular dumpling, empanada, samosa, pierogi, knish, gyoza, etc. Treat yoself this week by blessing yourself with a dumpling… or ten :)
Images courtesy of: NPR, Just One Cookbook, Polana, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Little Ferraro Kitchen, Joseph’s Gourmet Pasta, AFCDN, General Mills