Tender Afghan dumplings with a leek and spring onion (scallion) filling, served with a minted yoghurt dressing and drizzled with an oil-based tomato and garlic sauce.
Mix together the yoghurt, mint, garlic and salt and pepper to season. Set aside in the fridge until later.
For the tomato and garlic sauce:
Heat oil in a small frypan over medium heat. Add chopped tomato, onion, garlic, coriander seeds, cayenne pepper and salt. If you’re sensitive to spice, add less cayenne pepper or leave it out. Fry, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes until soft, fragrant, and the tomato has lost a lot of its moisture. Set aside until serving time.
For the dumplings:
Heat oil in a large frypan over medium heat. Add chopped leeks, spring onions and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for around 10 minutes, or until the mixture is soft, fragrant and has reduced in size by about half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble the dumplings, you will need a small bowl of water and a lined baking tray to arrange them on. Spoon a teaspoon of leek mixture into the centre of a dumpling wrapper. Dip your finger into the water and wet the edges of one half of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a semi-circle and pinch around the edges, making sure the dumpling is fully sealed. Set aside on the lined tray and repeat until all dumplings have been filled. At this stage the dumplings can be covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook them.
The dumplings can be steamed or simmered to cook. If steaming, arrange the dumplings in one layer in a stainless steel or lined bamboo steamer (not touching, otherwise they’ll stick together). Steam for about 5 minutes, until the wrappers are translucent. If simmering, lower dumplings into simmering vegetable broth or water and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until wrappers are translucent. Repeat in batches until all dumplings are cooked.
To serve, spread a small spoonful of the yoghurt dressing on each plate. Arrange dumplings on top of the yoghurt dressing, then top with a little tomato and garlic sauce, more yoghurt dressing, and fresh coriander to garnish.
Notes
Nutrition information is estimate.
Recipe makes 60 dumplings, which will easily serve 8 people, or more if served as a side dish.