Pork Dumplings

For Chinese New Year 2012, I made Pork Dumplings.  Traditionaly, because pork was expensive in China it was used sparingly.  That is why making Pork Dumplings was such a big deal in the past.  Now, since pork is readily available any time of the year, you can make these Dumplings anytime that you want.  Here are the ingredients.


Ingredients:
For the dough:
(3) cups of all purpose flour
(1/4) tsp salt
(1 1/4) cups water to kneed the dough
Filling:
(1) tbspn soy sauce ( I used regular soy sauce)
garlic powder to taste
onion powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste
(1) egg
(1) pound of lean ground pork

Directions:
Place the water in a separate bowl than the flour.  Mix the salt into the flour.  Gradually pour in the water into the flour and kneed.  You may need more or less of the water, depending on where you live.  Just keep on adding more water or add a bit more flour here and there until a dough forms.
Dealing with things like flour and dough is different everywhere.  After a dough is formed, place the dough on a flat surface, cover and wait for 30 mins.  So as the dough is waiting, we prepare the pork mixture.  Mix in all the spices and the egg, and the soy sauce and set aside.  When the dough is ready, we prepare a working surface.  Dust a clean working surface with flour so the dough won't stick.  Also, dust your rolling pin.  Place the dough on the surface and start to roll it as flat as you can.
To make the wrappers, use a small size glass.  Use the rim of the glass and cut the dough.  This would help ensure all your dumplings are the same size.  As you do this, place the wrappers on a pan dusted with flour so the dough won't stick.  Repeat this step until all the dough is mostly used.
Next, using a tablespoon, hold the wrapper in one hand and spoon in the meat mixture.  Ensure the meat mixture is put right in the middle of the wrapper.  DO NOT attempt to put more meat in or else the wrapper would not seal properly and would explode during cooking.  Repeat until all meat is done.
These dumplings could be enjoyed right away.  You can boil them, or deep fry them.  You can also place the finished dumplings on a pan and freeze them flat, and place them in a plastic bag to enjoy whenever you like.  Can be put in the freezer for up to 4 months.
I am not saying that these Dumplings are a quick project.  I only showed making 2 in the video.  This takes at least 1/2 hr or more if this is your first time making dumplings.  So please, allow yourself enough time to make them if you are expecting guests to arrive.
Even though these takes time to make, it is much better and healthier than having Chinese Take Out.
I hope you will give this recipe a try and enjoy making Chinese food at home.
Enjoy!!!