Food of the Month: Dumplings

Posted on 05/01/2022 by FTB

Most people don't know much about Asian countries because they are too far away. However, many cultural aspects of the Far East are not foreign to us. This applies especially to food, because who doesn't regularly go to an Asian restaurant? Our food of the month is dumplings! Covered with dough and preceded by centuries of history, dumplings have more than just an incredible taste!

GENERAL TERM

Different names cover differences in the preparation and consumption of dumplings. Sometimes there are big differences because some dumplings may contain liquid inside, for example. There are also differences in consumption: while some dumplings are best served on the spot, as an unwritten rule, other types of dumplings are dipped in sauce before being eaten. The devil is in the details, as the saying goes. In this case, the diversity and richness of this dish are in the details.

Which ones have you tried?
- Japan- Gyoza
- Korea - Mandu
- China - Baozi
- Armenia - Boraki
- Georgia - Khinkali
- Jewish Cuisine - Kreplach
- Poland - Pierogi
- Pakistan, India, and parts of Central Asia - Samosa and Cheburek
- Eastern Europe - Pelmeni and Vareniki
- Spain and South America - Empanada
- Germany- Maultasche
ORIGIN

It is not clear whether Europeans or Asians independently claimed the dumplings as a millenary pillar of their culture. The point is that all dumplings follow the same principle: make a dough with flour and water, sometimes with egg, and fill it with the best filling you can think of.

Many dumplings contain meat. Sometimes it is essential that the meat is cut by a knife, as in the case of Argentine empanadas, or that it comes from a specific part of the animal. Because such standards allow connoisseurs to distinguish "real" dumplings from imitations!

In most cases, however, the main characteristics lie in the preparation and consumption.
HOW AND WHEN ARE DUMPLINGS EATEN?

At Foodtruckbooking we believe they can be eaten at any time and in many ways. As a general rule, especially with Asian dumplings, the dumpling is dipped in a separate dish or small bowl. This contains soy sauce or rice vinegar with finely chopped garlic, sometimes also sesame oil. Other examples are spicy sauces that you pour carefully into the dumpling once you have bitten off the corner. Dumplings can be frozen and thawed quickly.

Dumplings are often the epicenter of a large family dinner. In the case of Germany, the word "Maultasche," which means, "mouth in the backpack," does not come from the idea that travelers carried this dish in their pockets. The word is said to be derived from "slap". In inventing it, it is assumed that the monks hid meat in the Maultaschen to circumvent the ecclesiastical commandments and hide the sin of God. It's also unclear whether you always think of the rich history of this dish when you eat dumplings. Because many people seem to be a bit distracted.... and then burn their tongues on the filling.