Chinese Sticky Rice Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and diced
- 1/2 cup dried shrimp, soaked and diced
- 1/4 cup dried scallops, soaked and diced
- 1/4 cup dried lotus seeds, soaked and diced
- 1/4 cup dried chestnuts, soaked and diced
- 1/4 cup dried goji berries
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fried shallots

Special equipment needed:
- Bamboo leaves
- Kitchen twine
- Large pot or steamer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, dried scallops, dried lotus seeds, dried chestnuts, dried goji berries, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and white pepper.

3. Drain the glutinous rice and mix it with the pork mixture.

4. Add the scallions, cilantro, peanuts, and fried shallots to the rice mixture and mix well.

5. Soak the bamboo leaves in hot water for at least 30 minutes until they become pliable.

6. Take two bamboo leaves and overlap them to form a diamond shape.

7. Place a spoonful of the rice mixture in the center of the leaves.

8. Fold the leaves over the rice mixture to form a pyramid shape.

9. Tie the dumpling with kitchen twine to secure it.

10. Repeat the process until all the rice mixture is used up.

11. Place the dumplings in a large pot or steamer and steam for 2-3 hours until the rice is cooked through.

12. Serve hot or at room temperature.


Time:
Preparation time: 4 hours (including soaking time)
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
Steam at medium-high heat.
Serving size:
Makes about 20 dumplings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground chicken or beef.
- Dried shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with fresh shiitake mushrooms.
- Dried shrimp can be substituted with fresh shrimp.
- Dried scallops can be substituted with fresh scallops.
- Dried lotus seeds can be substituted with water chestnuts.
- Dried chestnuts can be substituted with peanuts.
- Dried goji berries can be substituted with raisins.

Variations:
- Add diced Chinese sausage to the rice mixture.
- Use different types of nuts, such as cashews or almonds.
- Add diced water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Use different types of dried fruits, such as apricots or dates.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to soak the bamboo leaves in hot water for at least 30 minutes to make them pliable.
- Use kitchen twine to secure the dumplings tightly.
- Steam the dumplings over medium-high heat for 2-3 hours until the rice is cooked through.
- Serve the dumplings hot or at room temperature.

Storage instructions:
Store the dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the dumplings in a steamer for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the dumplings on a platter with a side of soy sauce for dipping.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve with hot tea or a cold beer.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with stir-fried vegetables or a side of steamed bok choy.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dumplings are too dry, add a little bit of water to the rice mixture.
- If the dumplings are falling apart, make sure to tie them tightly with kitchen twine.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to soak the bamboo leaves in hot water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cook the dumplings thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
Chinese sticky rice dumplings, also known as zongzi, are a traditional Chinese dish that is typically eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, umami, nutty, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the dumplings as a main dish or as a snack.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Sweet, Chewy, Sticky