Pork Chive Dumplings

grandmother's recipe

Pork chive dumplings, known as "jiaozi" in Chinese, have a long history dating back over 1,800 years to the Eastern Han Dynasty. Originating in Northern China, they were initially filled with lamb and then later evolved to include pork and chives due to their accessibility and flavor. Today, these dumplings are enjoyed worldwide and are a staple in Chinese cuisine, symbolizing unity and prosperity, especially during celebrations like the Chinese New Year.

Dumplings are an integral part of our cultures, so for this recipe we asked our parents and grandparents.

INGREDIENTS:¹

* this recipe depends on personal preference (what meat to veggie ratio you like). We eyeballed all our measurements :)

• 2 lbs lean pork

• 1/2 lbs fatty pork

• 1 lbs chives

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp white pepper

• dumpling wrappers (and water)

STEPS:

Mix your pork and chopped chives together.

Add in some soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper, and mix.

Then wrap the dumplings. Wet the outer rim of the wrapper with water and fold in half, creating pleats from the edges inward.

You can freeze any dumplings you don’t immediately want to eat.

To cook the dumplings, boil a pot of water. Add the dumplings, and cook until it begins to boil again. Then add in a cup of water. Do this twice, until the dumplings begin to float.

Enjoy!

We made these because they are a classic Chinese dish and a favorite of ours.

1. recipe from grandma