Most Chinese rice dumplings are made using refined glutinous white rice. This type of rice is pre-soaked and fried with oil, with a variety of fillings such as pork, chicken, abalone, chestnut, salted fish and egg yoke. After the ingredients are wrapped in bamboo leaves, the dumplings are then steamed for an hour in water.
Traditional Chinese rice dumplings are oily and most people find them difficult to digest. 15 years ago, I have developed an alternative plant-based dumpling recipe made from organic sweet yellow millet.The sweet millet is sprouted overnight, then mixed with boiled soybeans and local herbs such as minced galangal, ginger and bunga kantan, then wrapped in bamboo leaves. The dumplings are then boiled for 45 minutes in rapid boiling water.
The sweet yellow millet has a higher carbohydrate content compared to normal millets, and they are more soothing to the digestive system. Its stickiness binds the ingredients together very well helps keep the dumplings in shape. Sweet millet is most healing when you feel weak or when you have low appetite.
Nutrition value of cooked sweet millet:
Per serving of 174g
These sweet millet dumplings can be frozen for up to 1 month. To enjoy the dumplings all you need to do is to thaw and steam the frozen dumplings over boiling water for about 15 minutes. Remove the bamboo leaves before eating.
This millet dumpling is most enjoyable as a snack, or as a meal served with some sautéed cabbage, carrot and/or onion with a pinch of light sea salt. It will help you feel grounded and provide you with energy for the rest of your day.
Posted by June Lim, macrobiotic chef and counselor
Sept 2014
Sweet millet dumplings are available fresh or frozen and can be ordered online on our website.
