How do you make bread dumplings? Bread dumplings, also known as mantou, are a popular Chinese dish that combines the soft, fluffy texture of bread with the savory flavors of fillings. These dumplings are often served as a side dish or as a snack, and their delightful combination of flavors and textures make them a favorite among many. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making bread dumplings, from preparing the dough to filling and shaping them, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious treat at home.
First, let’s start with the dough. To make the dough for bread dumplings, you will need flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water. Begin by mixing the flour and sugar in a large bowl, then create a well in the center. Add the yeast and a pinch of salt to the well, and slowly pour in warm water while stirring the mixture. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are well combined, then transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. There are many variations of bread dumpling fillings, but a classic choice is a mixture of ground pork, finely chopped vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Combine these ingredients in a bowl and mix well to create a flavorful filling. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air and then divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it with your palm. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the flattened dough, then wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal it tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
Next, it’s time to shape the dumplings. Take one of the filled dough balls and gently roll it between your palms to create a smooth, round shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dumplings. If you like, you can also create a decorative pattern on the dumplings by pressing the tines of a fork into the surface of the dough. Once all the dumplings are shaped, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Gently place the dumplings into the boiling water, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface and become slightly translucent. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving plate.
Finally, serve the bread dumplings while they are still warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce mixed with a bit of sesame oil and chili oil. Bread dumplings are a delightful treat that you can easily make at home, and they are sure to impress your family and friends with their delicious taste and impressive appearance.
