Get ready to dive into the cozy world of homemade dumplings with our Savory Mushroom and Herb Dumplings. Perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend treat, these little pockets are bursting with earthy flavors and a hint of aromatic herbs.
The heart of our dumplings is the combination of two types of mushrooms. First, we have shiitake mushrooms. They bring a meaty, umami punch that’s perfect for a vegetarian filling. Then, there are button mushrooms, which are milder and help balance the flavors. Onions and garlic act as the aromatic base, adding depth and a savory note. We use olive oil to sauté these ingredients until they're golden and fragrant. Soy sauce is a quick way to add extra umami, while fresh thyme and rosemary provide herbal notes that elevate the mushrooms. A bit of black pepper and salt rounds out the seasoning. Finally, dumpling wrappers are what hold all this deliciousness together, and water helps seal them up tight.
These dumplings are fantastic on their own or with a simple soy dipping sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve them with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried greens. A light broth can also complement them well, making for a warming soup-like experience.
Start by heating up the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté them until they turn a lovely golden color, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step really lays the foundation for all the flavors.
When your kitchen is filled with that mouthwatering aroma, go ahead and add your shiitake and button mushrooms. Keep cooking and stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are tender and all the moisture has evaporated. You’re looking for a somewhat dry mixture here, which should take another 5 to 7 minutes.
Next, stir in the soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good mix and then remove the pan from the heat. Let the filling cool a bit; this makes it easier to handle and won’t make your dumpling wrappers soggy.
Now comes the fun part: filling the dumplings. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Dip your finger in some water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold it over and press to seal, making sure there are no air pockets.
Finally, set up your steamer and place the dumplings in, making sure they’re not touching each other. Steam them for 10 to 12 minutes, until the wrappers turn translucent and glossy. They’re ready to serve!