Chinese Ravioli

Chinese ravioli, also known as Jiaozi, are a very popular dish in Chinese cuisine. They can be cooked in different ways, including boiled, steamed, or fried. Here is a basic recipe for preparing boiled Jiaozi with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 300g of wheat flour
  • 120ml of warm water

For the filling:

  • 200g of ground pork (you can replace it with ground beef or chicken for an Italian twist)
  • 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions
  • 100g of chopped Chinese cabbage (you can also use savoy cabbage or black cabbage for a more intense flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of white wine (preferably an Italian wine such as Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Prepare the dough by combining the flour with the warm water, working it until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In the meantime, prepare the filling by mixing together the ground meat, green onions, cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, white wine, and grated ginger. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one out into a thin circle, about 8-10 cm in diameter.
  4. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle of dough.
  5. Fold the circle in half to form a crescent, sealing the edges well. Ensure there are no air bubbles inside.
  6. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the ravioli in batches until they float to the surface, indicating that they are ready (about 5-7 minutes).
  7. Remove them with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with soy sauce or a spicy sauce, if desired.

For an even more Italian touch, you might serve the Chinese ravioli with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of chopped mushrooms, ricotta, and sautéed spinach.

Curiosity

In China, Jiaozi are a traditional dish of the Chinese New Year and are said to bring good fortune. Their shape resembles that of ancient gold ingots and thus, it is hoped that eating Jiaozi will bring wealth in the new year.

Chinese Ravioli