Introduction: In this scorching hot dog days of summer, every strand of heat wave seems to be testing our endurance and body’s regulatory mechanisms. The high temperature not only makes people sweat profusely but also easily causes accumulation of dampness in the body, affecting the function of the spleen and stomach, leading to loss of appetite and listlessness.
At this time, if a special plate of dumplings could be added to the family table, it not only awakens the taste buds but also warms the kidneys, dispels cold, nourishes the stomach, and invigorates the spleen. Let the whole family enjoy delicious food, and harvest health and vitality at the same time. Today, let’s step into the kitchen together and make this heartwarming dish of summer – leek and lamb dumplings, letting love and health accompany each other, and easily get through the scorching summer.
1. Carefully selected ingredients lay the foundation for health
Main ingredients:
500g fresh lamb: Choose tender, membrane-free lamb leg meat or tenderloin, which is more delicious and easy to digest.
500g leek: The fresh and tender leek in summer is rich in vitamins and minerals, with the effects of warming the middle, regulating Qi, tonifying the kidneys, and reinforcing yang, making it an excellent choice for summer health care.
Additional ingredients:
One piece of ginger: Removes odor and enhances the flavor of the dumpling filling.
One scallion: Adds layers to the filling and enriches the taste.
A suitable amount of dumpling wrappers: Ready-made dumpling wrappers are available in the market for convenience; if you enjoy the fun of homemade food, you can also make the wrappers yourself.
Seasonings:
Adequate amount of salt, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and chicken bouillon (optional), adjust according to personal taste.
2. Careful preparation ensures deliciousness and health coexist
– Leek and lamb dumplings –
1. Prepare the filling
Handling lamb: Wash the lamb, cut it into small pieces, put it in a meat grinder to grind it into fine minced meat, or chop it by hand. Note that when grinding or chopping the meat, you can add a little water to make the meat filling more tender and juicy.
Handling leek: After washing the leek, drain the water, and chop it finely. To prevent the leek from becoming watery, you can add a suitable amount of cooking oil after chopping it, to lock in the moisture and nutrients.
Integration of seasonings: Put the minced meat in a large bowl, add chopped ginger, chopped scallions, and a suitable amount of salt, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and a little chicken bouillon (if using). Stir in one direction until the mixture is firm, allowing the meat to fully absorb the flavors of the seasonings. Then gently mix the chopped leek into the meat filling, being careful and gentle to avoid excessive water from the leek.
2. Wrapping the dumplings
Take a dumpling wrapper, place it in your palm, spoon an appropriate amount of filling in the center of the wrapper.
Fold the dumpling wrapper in half, pinch the edges tightly, and according to personal preference, create a decorative edge or simple pleats to make it both visually appealing and prevent leaking.
Arrange neatly and place on a plate sprinkled with dry flour to prevent sticking.
3. Culinary art
Boil the dumplings: Add an adequate amount of water to a pot, bring to a boil, gently add the dumplings, lightly push with the back of a spoon to prevent sticking. When the dumplings float to the surface and the skin becomes translucent, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then lift out. Before serving, sprinkle with some chopped green onions for added flavor.
Steam the dumplings: For a fresher taste, you can choose to steam the dumplings. Prepare a steamer with a steaming cloth, arrange the dumplings, steam over high heat for 10-15 minutes until the dumpling skin becomes translucent and the filling is cooked through.
3. Sharing warmth, delivering health and love
When a plate of steaming and fragrant leek and lamb dumplings is served on the table, the warmth and happiness of home emerge naturally. Every bite of dumpling conveys deep care and love for family members. The nourishing lamb meat and the savory leek intertwine in the mouth, not only dispelling the summer chill but also warming the hearts of family members.
Warm reminder:
Although leek and lamb dumplings are delicious and healthy, lamb meat is warm and hot, so those with a hot constitution or excessive internal heat should not eat too much.
Summer diet should be light, even though dumplings are good, they should be consumed in moderation. Pairing with some cooling soups or vegetables can balance nutrition and promote digestion.
Even though the dog days of summer are hot, with the companionship of these leek and lamb dumplings, family members’ stomachs are gently cared for, and their complexion becomes even rosier. Let’s not only enjoy delicious food but also convey love and care, making this summer not just hot and irritable, but full of warmth and health. Remember, the taste of home is the most beautiful taste. May these special dumplings add a bright touch to your summer life, and may health and happiness always be by your side.
