Bolin’s Favorite Dumplings | Legend of Korra Inspired Recipes

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bolin's dumplings legend of korra recipe

What’s up, Hungry People!

Today, I’m bringing you a recipe inspired by the beloved characters Bolin and Mako from The Legend of Korra. Just like these two street-savvy brothers, we’re going to whip up some mouthwatering dumplings that will transport you to the bustling streets of Republic City!

The Meaning Behind Bolin’s Favorite Dumplings

Bolin and Mako’s lives revolved around the city, and their love for dumplings runs deep. These savory delights not only remind Bolin of his family but also symbolize a sense of home and simpler times before Kuvira’s reign.

dumplings from legend of korra

The Flavor Explosion

Bolin’s favorite dumplings are a fusion of vibrant Thai flavors and inspired ingredients. We’ll be using spicy red curry, sweet mango chutney, and an array of Thai-inspired seasonings like fish sauce, ginger, and lemongrass. These flavor-packed dumplings are sure to delight your taste buds!

ingredients for dumplings

Here’s What You Need

  • Ground turkey: Provides a lean and flavorful protein base for the dumpling filling.
  • Mango chutney: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor profile to complement the other ingredients.
  • Red curry paste: Infuses the filling with a spicy and aromatic kick.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the filling together.
  • Thai seasoning (lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, chili pepper): Contributes a burst of Thai-inspired flavors and aromatics.
  • Fresh ginger: Adds a warm and zesty taste while enhancing the overall fragrance.
  • Onion powder: Provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor element to the filling.
  • Garlic powder: Introduces a subtle, yet distinct garlic flavor to enhance the taste.
  • Lemon juice: Brings a bright and citrusy acidity to balance the other flavors.
  • Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami taste and a touch of saltiness to the filling.
  • Fish sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and adds depth to the overall taste of the filling.
  • Green onion: Offers a mild onion flavor and adds a pop of freshness to the filling.
  • Flour: Forms the base for the dumpling wrappers, providing structure and texture.
  • Hot water: Combines with the flour to create a pliable dough for the wrappers.
filling for turkey dumplings

Let’s Cook!

To create the filling, start by combining ground turkey meat with curry paste, chutney, garlic powder, onion powder, green onions, ginger, and lemongrass.

mixed filling for turkey dumpling

Give it a spritz of soy sauce, lemon juice, and fish sauce, and don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in an egg to bind everything together, and chill the mixture until we’re ready to wrap.

Dumpling Wrappers

hot water dough

Now, let’s move on to the wrappers! Combine flour and hot water until a smooth dough forms. Allow the dough to rest for about 20 minutes in a warm spot. Although it won’t rise, it will become softer and more pliable.

hot water dough ball

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a cookie cutter or an upside-down glass to cut out circles from the rolled dough. Each wrapper should be approximately two inches in diameter, perfect for holding a tablespoon of filling.

cutting dumpling wrappers

Wrapping the Dumplings

Now comes the fun part! Place a tablespoon of the flavorful filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and seal the edges using a dab of water. Pinch the edges together firmly to ensure no filling escapes during the cooking process.

filled dumpling wrappers

Cooking the Dumplings

It’s time to bring these dumplings to life! Drop them gently into a pot of boiling water. Once the water returns to a boil, add one cup of water, and let it come to a boil again. Repeat this process by adding another cup of water and allowing it to boil once more.

Finally, using a slotted spoon, remove the dumplings from the pot.

boiling dumplings

Let the dumplings air dry for a few minutes while you heat up a medium-sized skillet with a few tablespoons of sesame oil.

frying dumplings

Add the dumplings to the skillet, placing them with one side down, and sauté until they turn golden brown and develop a deliciously crispy texture.

seared dumplings

Tips for Making Homemade Dumplings

  • Chilling the filling: After mixing the ground turkey with the various ingredients, chill the mixture before filling the wrappers. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to handle the filling.
  • Resting the dough: Allow the dough for the wrappers to rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and resulting in softer dumplings.
  • Proper sealing: When folding the wrappers and sealing the edges, make sure they are tightly closed to prevent any filling from leaking out during boiling or sautéing.
  • Boiling the dumplings: To ensure fully cooked dumplings, boil them in batches of 10 at a time. Adding water in increments (1 cup at a time) helps maintain the boiling temperature and ensures thorough cooking.
  • Drying the dumplings: After boiling, allow the dumplings to dry for a few minutes before sautéing. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the dumplings to crisp up nicely in the skillet.
  • Sautéing technique: When sautéing the dumplings, start with one side down to achieve a crispy golden brown exterior. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning.
  • Serving suggestion: Enjoy the dumplings with a side of soy sauce for dipping. You can also pair them with other dishes from the Earth Kingdom cuisine for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Customize the filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding additional ingredients such as finely chopped vegetables or herbs. This allows you to tailor the dumplings to your taste preferences.
  • Freezing for later: If you have leftover dumplings or want to make a larger batch for future use, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
  • Troubleshooting tip: If the dumplings are sticking to the skillet while sautéing, make sure the skillet is adequately heated and the oil is hot before adding the dumplings. You can also lightly coat the dumplings with oil before placing them in the skillet.
bolin's favorite dumpling recipe

And there you have it, Hungry People! Bolin’s favorite dumplings, a culinary delight that pays homage to the incredible world of The Legend of Korra. Just like Bolin and Mako, we’ve embarked on a flavorful adventure that captures the essence of Republic City and the spirit of these beloved characters.

As you enjoy these dumplings, take a moment to appreciate the subtle nods to the show—the spicy red curry reminiscent of firebending’s intensity, the sweet mango chutney that echoes the sweetness of friendship, and the Thai-inspired flavors that transport you to the exotic locales explored in the series.

Until we meet again in the world of flavors and fandom, keep the spirit of Korra alive and let your taste buds be your guide. Enjoy, and remember, the legend continues!

bolins-favorite-dumplings-recipe

Bolin’s Favorite Dumplings | Legend of Korra Inspired Recipes

The Starving Chef
Crafted with inspiration from Bolin's favorite street food in "Legend of Korra," these dumplings encapsulate the spirit of adventure and resilience, combining the flavors of Republic City with a touch of Thai influence, just like the beloved characters themselves.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Asian, Avatar: The Last Airbender
Servings 24 dumplings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz ground turkey
  • 3 tablespoons mango chutney
  • 1 teaspoon red curry paste
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoons Thai seasoning (lemon grass, ginger, cilantro, chile pepper – usually can be found as a paste)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • ¼ cup green onion chopped
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup hot water
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with mango chutney, red curry paste, Thai seasoning, fresh ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Stir in the egg. Chill the mixture until ready to fill the wrappers.
  • Bring two cups of water to a boil. Using another large bowl, mix together the hot water with the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough into a ball and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and use a rolling pin to flatten it to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cup or cookie cutter to create 2-inch-wide circles of dough.
  • Place a tablespoon of the turkey filling into the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling and seal the edges with some water. Pinch the edges closed.
  • Place the dumplings into the boiling water in batches of 10 dumplings. Let the water come to a boil again, then add an additional cup of water. Bring the water to a boil again and add one more cup. When the water begins to boil for a third time, remove the dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon. This ensures the dumplings are fully cooked. Repeat the process with the remaining dumplings.
  • Let the dumplings dry for a few minutes while preparing a skillet with some sesame oil. Heat the skillet to medium-high temperature, then add the dumplings with one side down. Sauté until crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve the dumplings with soy sauce and enjoy!
Keyword dough, mango, turkey
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