September 26 is celebrated annually in the US as National Dumpling Day, honoring a dish that has transcended its Asian origins to become a global favorite. Traditionally enjoyed in countries like China and Japan, dumplings – small parcels of dough with delicious fillings – are now accepted around the world. Made from a simple mixture of flour and water, pakodas can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, frying, or baking. Their versatility also extends to the stuffing, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Any delicious dumpling is incomplete without a delicious dipping sauce. Without these dips, even the otherwise perfect pakodas seem to lack something. This National Dumpling Day 2024, we bring you five scrumptious dipping sauces that will take your dumpling experience to a whole new level.
Here are 5 spicy sauces packed with flavor for your pakodas:
1. Chinese Hot Chili Oil Sauce
Chinese hot chili oil sauce is a popular dipping sauce paired with Chinese dumplings. This delectable dip can be prepared with just three ingredients. To make this chutney, you will need 10 to 12 small dry chillies, 1/2 cup peanut oil and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Cut the stalks of dry chillies and remove the seeds. Cut the chilli into thick pieces. Heat oil in a pan and when it starts to cool (wait for about three minutes), add chili flakes. Omit chili flakes depending on how spicy you want the sauce to be. Then filter the oil (once it cools down) and keep it in an airtight jar. You can store this dip in your refrigerator for up to a month.
Photo: iStock
2. Soy Ginger Sauce
Soy ginger sauce is popularly served with gyoza or pan-fried dumplings. It is full of flavor and takes only 5 minutes to make. You can recreate this sauce at home using just 4 ingredients – 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 2 teaspoons minced ginger, 1 pinch of white pepper and sesame oil to taste. Mix all the ingredients and your delicious chutney is ready!
Also read: What is the difference between momos and dim sums? This ex user’s answer is viral
Photo: iStock
3. Thai Peanut Sauce
It is a thick, creamy and slightly spicy peanut chutney that goes very well with the dumplings. Take 1 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts and add them to 1/3 cup water, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Mix with tablespoon lemon juice. , 1/2 teaspoon red chili and 1/3 cup coconut milk. Mix all these together until you get a smooth chutney. Serve and enjoy!
Photo: iStock
4. Black Bean-Peanut Butter Sauce
This thick, rich and salty-sweet-spicy chutney may become your favorite dipping sauce. To make this dip, you need 4 tablespoons fermented black bean paste, 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 4 teaspoons chili oil. Stir all ingredients together until emulsified. Add some water and whisk to get the desired consistency. enjoy!
Also read: Spongy Sabudana Dumplings: A Delicious Dish That’s Healthy Too
5. Spicy Tomato Dip
Tomato is an excellent dip for all types of foods including dumplings. This dip works well with all types of pakodas and momos. You can adjust the spice level based on your tolerance. To make this dip, you need 250 grams tomato, 2 cloves garlic, 2 slices ginger, 1 fresh chilli, 2-4 coriander, salt as per taste, 1 pinch sugar and 1/2 teaspoon light soy sauce. Add tomatoes, garlic, ginger, chilli and coriander to food processor. Blend until smooth paste. Add salt, sugar and soy sauce. Mix well and serve.
Try all these delicious dips today and celebrate Dumpling Day 2024 with juicy and delicious pakodas. enjoy!
