Are you craving dumplings but watching your carb intake? Then you're in luck! This recipe delivers all the delicious, comforting flavors of traditional dumplings without the carb overload. These low-carb dumplings are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and guilt-free meal!
Ingredients:
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-4 tablespoons water (add gradually)
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For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork (or chicken, turkey, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cabbage, carrots, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Assemble the Dumplings: On a lightly floured surface (using almond flour), roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Cook the Dumplings: You can cook these dumplings in several ways: * Pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the dumplings for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. * Steam: Steam the dumplings in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through. * Bake: Place the dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve your low-carb dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sriracha, or a simple ginger dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option: Substitute the ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mixture of vegetables.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Add some greens: Include spinach or kale in the filling for extra nutrients.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the dumplings just before cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. For a general estimate using ground pork:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g (Net Carbs)
These low-carb dumplings are a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They are versatile, adaptable, and perfect for satisfying your dumpling cravings without the guilt! Enjoy!