Carrot and Tofu Dumplings in Broth with Chilli and Shallot Oil

, from Issue #85. July, 2019
Photography by Kate Battersby.
Carrot and Tofu Dumplings in Broth with Chilli and Shallot Oil

The recipe will make more shallot oil than you need for the dumplings, which is a good thing as you might find yourself wanting to use it on noodles, eggs, seafood and rice…

Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

Shallot oil
2 cups neutral oil eg rice bran
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
1 tablespoon Korean dried red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
Broth
5 cups water
4cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
2 whole cloves garlic, lightly crushed
2 dried shiitake mushrooms
3 makrut (kaffir) lime leaves
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Dumplings
2 tablespoons neutral oil eg rice bran
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 shallot, diced
1 brown onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4cm piece fresh ginger, grated
2 cups shredded or grated carrots
2 x 300-gram blocks tofu, crumbled into small pieces
3 tablespoons tamari
2 teaspoons sweet soy sauce
1 cup coriander leaves and stalks, roughly chopped
25-30 dumpling wrappers
neutral oil, eg rice bran, for frying
To serve
¼ cup roughly chopped coriander leaves and stalks

METHOD

Shallot oil: Place the oil and shallots in a small saucepan over a medium-high heat. Keep an eye on the shallots as the oil heats; when they start to turn brown and crispy (about 15 minutes), remove, drain on paper towels and reserve. Remove the oil from the heat and stir in the chilli and red pepper flakes. Set aside until cool, then transfer to a jar until ready to serve.

Broth: Place all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain and set aside until ready to serve.

Dumplings: Heat both oils in a large sauté pan over a medium heat. Add the shallot, onion, garlic and ginger and cook until soft. Add the remaining dumpling ingredients, apart from the wrappers, and fry, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

To assemble: Have a small bowl of water and a baking paper-lined tray ready. Place a wrapper in the palm of one hand, dip a finger in the water and run it around the edge. Place a tablespoon of filling in the centre then fold it gently into a half moon shape. Starting at the centre, pinch the top together, then squeeze the edges together to completely seal. Set on tray. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.

To cook: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan. Add the dumplings and ¼ cup water then cover with a lid. Steam for 2 minutes before removing the lid and continuing to cook until the dumplings are brown and crispy on the bottom and the water has evaporated.

To serve: Serve the dumplings immediately with the warmed broth, a drizzle of shallot oil and a sprinkle of coriander and the reserved crispy shallots.