In the traditional Chinese Spring Festival, making dumplings is an essential Xi. Many families prefer mutton dumplings, not only because the mutton taste is more tender, but also because it means prosperity and fortune in the coming year.
However, the smell of lamb is often a headache. So, how to make the mutton dumplings tender and juicy, without smell? This requires mastering some seasoning skills. Today we will share 4 kinds of seasonings to remove the smell of mutton and make your mutton dumplings more delicious.
The first seasoning: minced green onion and ginger
Green onion and ginger are common spices and are also a good companion to remove the smell of lamb. Minced green onion and ginger can add flavor to the lamb and mask its smell. When cutting the lamb, the green onion and ginger should be minced and then added to the minced lamb filling. After mixing well, you will notice that the smell of the lamb is much reduced.
The second seasoning: pepper
Pepper is a spicy seasoning that masks the fishy smell of lamb and stimulates the gustatory nerves and enhances appetite. When preparing the lamb filling, adding an appropriate amount of pepper can neutralize the flavor of the lamb and make it more delicious. But be careful not to add too much, otherwise it will overshadow the aroma of the lamb itself.
The third spice: white cardamom powder
White cardamom is a spice that has a strong fragrance and deodorizing effect. When preparing the mutton filling, adding an appropriate amount of white cardamom powder can effectively remove the smell of mutton and increase the umami of mutton. The amount of white cardamom powder should also be used in moderation, too much or too little will affect the taste.
The fourth seasoning: Sichuan pepper water
Sichuan pepper water is water made from Sichuan peppercorns, which has a numbing fragrance and fishy effect. When preparing the mutton filling, you can add an appropriate amount of pepper water, which can not only remove the smell of mutton, but also make the mutton more tender and juicy. The amount of pepper water can be adjusted according to personal taste.
After mastering the use of these four seasonings, let's introduce the process and skills of making dumplings:
1. Prepare the dumpling filling:
Cut the lamb into small pieces, add the appropriate amount of seasonings and vegetables, such as minced green onion and ginger, pepper, white cardamom powder, etc., and pat the lamb with the back of a knife to make it more delicate. After stirring well, add an appropriate amount of pepper water, stir well again, and marinate for a while to make the filling more flavorful.
2. Prepare the dumpling wrappers:
Whisk the flour and water into a dough and knead until smooth. Roll out the dough into thin slices and cut into small round crusts using dumpling molds or knives.
3. Making dumplings:
Place the dumpling wrapper in the palm of your hand and spoon the appropriate amount of filling in the center of the wrapper. Gently pinch the edge of the dumpling wrapper with your thumb and forefinger, fold it in half, and start making the dumplings. Pinch the edges of the dough folded in half, then start from one side and pinch the wrapper towards the middle to form a fold. Repeat this action until the dumplings are fully sealed.
4. Boiled noodles:
Put the wrapped dumplings in boiling water and cook, until the dumplings float and boil, continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove. Make this Spring Festival more colorful.
In short, if you want to make mutton dumplings tender and juicy, without smell, mastering these four seasonings is the key. At the same time, mastering the process and skills of making dumplings can also make dumplings more delicious. On this special occasion of the Spring Festival, enjoying food with the family is a wonderful traditional Xi. I hope the above introduction can help you better enjoy the warmth and happiness of this Spring Festival.
Follow the editor, here, you will have an in-depth understanding of the characteristics and matching techniques of various spices. Whether it's the commonly used chili peppers, star anise, or rarer spices, we'll break it down for you. In addition to this, there are practical cooking tips to share with you. Whether you're a novice or a veteran, it's easy to take your cooking skills to the next level!