Vegetarian Soup Dumplings: A Flavorful and Comforting Recipe

Vegetarian soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are a delightful twist on the traditional Chinese dumpling. These dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and a rich broth that creates a burst of flavor with each bite. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these delicious dumplings from scratch, ensuring that you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Broth Jelly:

• 1½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder (a plant-based gelatin substitute)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
• Salt to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• ½ cup baby spinach, chopped
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes for heat

For the Dumpling Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup boiling water
• Pinch of salt

For Dipping Sauce:

• Chinkiang vinegar or black vinegar
• Julienned ginger

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth Jelly

1. In a saucepan, combine the vegetable broth, agar-agar powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine (if using).
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring continuously. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 2 minutes until the agar is fully dissolved.
3. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for about 1–2 hours until set.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.
3. Stir in the grated carrot, chopped spinach, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Once the broth jelly is set, chop it into small cubes and fold it into the vegetable mixture.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add boiling water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Dumplings

1. Divide the rested dough into small pieces (about 10 grams each) and roll each piece into a ball.
2. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin circle (about 3–4 inches in diameter).
3. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.
4. Carefully pleat the edges of the dough around the filling to seal it tightly at the top. Aim for at least 10 pleats to create an authentic look.

Step 5: Steam the Dumplings

1. Prepare your steamer by lining it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer basket, leaving space between them to allow for expansion during cooking.
3. Bring water to a boil in your steamer pot and steam the dumplings for about 8–10 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

1. Carefully remove the dumplings from the steamer and serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side.
2. For dipping sauce, mix Chinkiang vinegar with julienned ginger.

Tips for Success

• Chill Your Filling: Ensure your filling is cool before adding it to your dumpling wrappers to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too dry, add a little more water; if too wet, sprinkle in some more flour as you knead.
• Freezing Dumplings: You can freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag for later use.

These vegetarian soup dumplings are not only delicious but also fun to make! With their savory filling and rich broth that bursts in your mouth with every bite, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy this comforting dish as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal!