Two Day Magazine

Traditional Good Luck Dish to Be Served This New Year!

The great about ringing in the New Year is the ability to reflect back on the year past and plan for the year ahead.  Last year, I did my first article for twoday magazine about “good luck” foods to enjoy on New Year’s.  Well, let’s keep to that theme with a delicious “good luck this year” New Year’s Dumpling Dish.  

Now this will take a little more planning but trust me, these are worth the effort.  Nearly every culture has a traditional food that's supposed to bring good luck for the New Year, and in China, dumplings are said to do the trick. Chinese New Year isn't until January 23, but dumplings are a perfect food for all to enjoy! --

This recipe calls for vegetarian style dumpling but you can add pork, chicken or shrimp to have a variety for your entire guest list.  

Good Luck Veggie Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces firm tofu, cut into small cubes

• 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and finely chopped

• 8 scallions, white and light green parts only, finely chopped

• One-quarter head of cabbage, shredded (Did you get that mandolin?)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 50 wonton wrappers

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine the tofu, mushrooms, scallions, cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger. Season with salt and pepper.

• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, add the vegetable mixture and cook until tender, about 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl and let cool.

• Brush one wonton wrapper with water and place 1 heaping teaspoon filling in the center. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, squeeze out the air and press the edges together to seal, wetting the dough if necessary to make it stick. Pinch together the two corners of the folded edge. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, add the dumplings and boil until cooked through, about 3 minutes after the water returns to a boil. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Serve with dipping sauces.

Happy 2012!

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twoday magazine wants to know what your favorite "good luck" foods are! Share your recipes on our Facebook page!