What comes to mind when you think of the word “dumpling”? If it took you a few seconds there to decide on one item, we’re on the same page. There are many types of dumplings – they don’t just come from the Chinese! This ball of dough stuffed with filling comes in many shapes, sizes and flavours and stretches continents, with a great variety of dumplings for Muslims! There are too many to list here, so these are what we consider some of the most delicious Halal dumplings from around the world.
1) Ravioli
All that cheese!
Ravioli is generally cheese-filled pasta, but the stuffing can vary. If you are a cheese-a-holic though, you’ll be pleased to know that the Italians are too. Arancini can be made with leftover risotto, while a Panzerotti is softer than calzones and stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella. Bite into this yummy goodness and taste an explosion of savoury, creamy cheese.
2) Jamaican Fried Dumplings
These are also known as
johnnycakes. The simplicity of crispy dough and garnished with salt is what makes this a great snack for any time of day. You can find them plain, or stuffed with a variety of fillings - eggs and cheese being some of the breakfast picks.
3) Manti
Manti are traditional Turkish dumplings commonly filled with lamb and chickpeas and served with yoghurt, garlic, and red pepper powder. Just like all Turkish delights, they are rich in flavors and spices. The dish is so well-liked that it has travelled across the regions, with Russian, Saudis, Bosnians, and more all making their own version of it.
4) Siomay
Siomay is a fish dumpling served with vegetable and peanut sauce. This dish is adopted from Chinese Indonesian cuisine and is best found on the streets of Bandung, Indonesia. This delightful treat can be sweet, spicy and tangy in one bite from all the seasoning such as soy sauce, chili sauce and lime juice.
5) Pierogi
More affectionately known as varenyky,
Pierogi are traditional filled dumplings from the European side of the world. There are many varieties of this delicious dumpling: with beef, cheese and onions; sweet potato; fish; or even fruit. The significant flavour of this dish comes from the finishing touch – being pan-fried in butter with onions.
6) Tangyuan
This is not your typical Chinese dumpling. Strictly for dessert,
Tangyuan are sticky balls of rice flour filled with ground peanuts or black sesame paste and served in a sweet soup. You can also find unfilled balls in a soup made from cane sugar. A unique version can be found in Hong Kong - they are served with ice cream with syrup drizzled on, yum!
7) Momo
Mostly found in Northern India and Nepal,
Momo is a type of South Asian dumpling that is similar to the Chinese baozi. Momo are great either steamed or fried, and taste best when dipped in a tomato-based sauce. Traditionally, they are filled with meat, although that has given way to vegetables, cheese, mashed potatoes and more. The most unique version of this treat can be found in Nepal, where street vendors get creative and stuff them with Snickers or Mars Bars too!
8) Gnocchi
Another Italian delicacy is
Gnocchi - small balls of pasta (with a lot of potato) served in a dish of tomato-based or pesto sauce. The unique thing about these cute balls is its ridges that is often formed with a cheese grater or a simple fork. The practical reason for this is to hold the delicious sauce - a clever idea don't you think? Goodness in every bite!
9) Svestkove knedily
Have you ever heard of a fruit dumpling? Hailing from the Czech Republic is this very photogenic dumpling – especially when it is cut open. The dough surrounds a fresh fruit (generally a plum) and is dropped in a pot of boiling water. It is served immediately with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar. Dumplings for dessert anyone?
10) Tyropita
Picture Credit - www.mygreekdish.com
Another cheese-filled dumpling, but this time, they are fried. You hear the crunch of crisp phyllo pastry as your teeth sink into a
Tyropita, and a mixture of cheeses ooze out in all their glory. Cheese lovers beware: possible addiction lurking in this Greek dumpling.
11) Stuffed Ebelskivers
Picture Credit - www.cookingchanneltv.com
Reinventing ‘pancakes for breakfast’. This light fluffy pancake from Denmark is traditionally stuffed with apples or applesauce (the name means “apple slices”), but a variety of fruit jams can be found in Ebelskivers today. These are often devoured in December, during their festive Christmas period. So don't forget to search for them while you're in Denmark in December!
12) Profiteroles
Another one for the sweet tooth,
profiteroles need no introduction or explanation. Similar to eclairs, they are generally filled with whipped cream and topped with chocolate ganache. These cute treats deserve an appreciation as many have said that they are quite difficult to make, especially the preparation of the choux pastry.
13) Pasty
This English dumpling is shaped like a half moon and stuffed with meat and vegetables – just like Epok-Epok that is also found in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The traditional version of
pasty is filled with beef or potato yellow turnip and onion, and simply seasoned with salt and pepper, and baked to a flaky perfection.
14) Luqaimat
Picture Credit - www.munatycooking.com
A Ramadan favorite, these sweet Arabic dumplings are heavenly balls of dough that are deep fried until golden brown and served with sugar syrup. Yes sure, they sound pretty unhealthy but they are definitely a delicious treat during the holy month of Ramadan.
15) Samosa
Even if you are from India, you probably know what a
samosa is. Ranging from chicken to meat to vegetarian fillings, samosas pack a lot of deliciousness within its triangular walls. They are so popular that you can find different versions all around the world that is catered to the local spices and flavors. Perfect for snacks all throughout the day!
Do you know of any other dumplings that deserve to make the list? Let us know!
