Beans Dumplings are a delicious and hearty dish made from mashed beans, typically paired with seasonings and herbs, and then wrapped in dough and boiled or fried. They’re a great addition to any meal or can stand on their own as a snack.
Here’s a simple recipe for Beans Dumplings that you can make at home:
Beans Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Bean Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) of cooked beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans), drained and rinsed (or about 1 1/2 cups of cooked beans)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 cup cheese (optional, shredded, cheddar or mozzarella works well)
- For the Dumpling Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 3/4 cup warm water (more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffiness)
- For Cooking:
- Water (for boiling) or oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bean Filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the drained beans and cook for 5-6 minutes, mashing them with a fork or potato masher as you go, leaving some texture.
- Season with cumin (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley) if desired.
- If using cheese, mix it into the beans while they’re still warm so it melts into the filling.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Dumpling Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder (if using).
- Add the olive oil or melted butter to the flour mixture.
- Gradually add the warm water, stirring as you go until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
- Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
3. Assemble the Dumplings:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into circles (you can use a glass or round cutter to help).
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the bean filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pinching the edges together to seal them tightly. You can press the edges with a fork to ensure they stay sealed.
4. Cook the Dumplings:
- Boiling Method:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
- Frying Method:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the dumplings in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
- Serve the beans dumplings warm, with a dipping sauce like sour cream, salsa, or a yogurt-based dip.
Tips:
- Bean Varieties: You can use any type of beans you like, such as black beans, chickpeas, or even lentils. Just make sure they are well-cooked and mashed for the filling.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add spices like paprika, chili powder, or even a bit of lime juice for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time. Just store the components separately in the fridge and assemble the dumplings when ready to cook.
- Vegan Version: To make it vegan, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
These Beans Dumplings are deliciously filling and offer a great combination of crispy or soft dough and savory bean filling. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light main dish. Enjoy!