About a year ago, my sister gave me a cookbook called A Dash of Aloha; it’s a healthy Hawaiian cookbook that has a plethora of extremely unique recipes. I highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a new recipe to diversify and spice up your meals.
I recently made the Steamed Sweet Potato and Swiss Chard Dumplings which earned me praises from my husband. While this recipe is a little more time-intensive, it is incredibly fun to prepare and eat. I literally reverted back to childhood as I “played with my food.” It reminded me of my play-doh days…
Here is the mouth-watering and health-promoting recipe (4 servings):
Main Ingredients:
- 1tsp. vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (try a garlic press if you are pressed for time – pun intended)
- 8oz. sweet potato, minced
- 8oz. Swiss chard, finely sliced (I rolled the leaves up and then cut small pieces from left to right)
- 1/2tsp Chinese 5-spice (if you don’t already have this spice, I recommend a visit to Whole Foods’ spice bins. You can get a baggie with just the amount you need – it’s much cheaper too!)
- 20 pot sticker wrappers (I found these in the freezer section of Whole Foods. You can thaw them in the refrigerator)
- 4 Napa cabbage leaves
- 1Tbsp. water
Ingredients for Dressing:
- 1Tbsp. shallot, minced
- 2Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1/2tsp. ginger
- 1tsp. sesame oil
- 1Tbsp. soy sauce
- Black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Pre-heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, garlic and potato, and then saute briefly for about 2 minutes.
- Add Swiss chard and cook until all liquid from chard evaporates.
- Remove from heat; add Chinese 5-spice. Cool thoroughly.
- Lay out wrappers in a single layer, Distribute filling evenly, placing in the center of each wrapper.
- Dip your finger in a bowl of water and trace edge of each wrapper. Don’t get the wrapper too wet.
- Fold over and firmly press edges together to seal (this is the fun part!!). Repeat until filling is used up.
- Lay Napa cabbage leaves on bottom of steamer. Place dumplings over the leaves. (I used a steam basket, but you can also use a steamer)
- Steam until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
- Add water to vinaigrette. Serve 1Tbsp. sauce per person.
Optional: Turn on your favorite tunes, enjoy a glass of wine and dine at the table with friends or family.
Please send me comments if you decide to cook this meal. I would love to hear about your experience.