Homemade Dumplings

After spending a lovely labor day weekend in Charlottesville (what a perfect weekend!), Ty and I returned home after a two and a half hour drive, craving a little something yummy. I looked in the fridge and knew just the thing, dumplings!

It seems daunting to make dumplings, but it's so simple and very healthy. Follow the directions below and you'll find that you yourself can make restaurant-delicious dumplings. :)

What you'll need:
1 package of dumpling or wonton wrappers (you can get these at the Chinese market - Wonton wrappers are more "slippery". They make great soup dumplings. Dumpling wrappers are better for fried dumplings)
1 lb of ground turkey (you can also use ground pork!)
4 spring onions
A dash of salt and pepper
2 tbsp. of soy sauce
1 tbsp. of sesame oil

Directions:
1. Finely chop the spring onions. Remember, vegetables always come before meat! Set aside.

2. Prepare ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add spring onions. Mix well. Add more seasoning if you need more flavor and set aside.

3. We're about to start making the dumplings! Follow the system I list below.This is how I've made dumplings since I was a kid and I promise it makes the process much easier. Start by filling a dish with cold water. Place the wrappers, cold water, and ground turkey in a line. You'll start by lining the wrappers on all sides with water, fill with a spoonful of the ground turkey, and wrap the dumplings. Make sure all the sides are closed. Set aside.

4. Get a pot of boiling water ready.
5. Place dumplings in boiling water and wait for the dumplings to float to the top. It should only take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once they start floating, they're ready to eat!
6. You can make a dipping sauce with soy sauce and sesame oil and finely chopped garlic, or Ty's favorite, Siracha sauce!