Spinach and Tofu Dumplings

Food & Wine, 2005

Makes about 45 dumplings

    DUMPLINGS                                                      
    5 ounces baby spinach (5 c packed)                             
    5 ounces firm tofu 1/4-in dice                                 
    2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch                                   
    2 sm. jalapeno chiles seed, mince                              
    1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce                                    
    1 1/2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil                               
    Salt and pepper                                                
    45 wonton wrappers      
                                      
    DIP                                                            
    1/4 cup + 2tbsp soy sauce                                      
    2 tablespoons unseason rice vinegar                            
    1 teaspoon honey   
                                            
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR

MAKE THE DUMPLINGS:
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 20 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the spinach to a colander. When the spinach is cool enough to handle, squeeze it dry, then coarsely chop it. Keep the water hot.

Transfer the spinach to a medium bowl and stir in the tofu, cornstarch, jalapeños, soy sauce and sesame oil and season with salt and pepper.

Working with 4 wonton wrappers at a time, dampen the edges and mound 1 1/2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold 1 corner of each up over the filling and seal to make triangles. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

MAKE THE DIPPING SAUCE:
In a small serving bowl, stir the soy sauce with the vinegar and honey.

Return the water to a boil. Add the dumplings and simmer over moderate heat, stirring gently, until the edges are al dente, about 3 minutes. Carefully drain in a colander and transfer to a platter. Serve with the dipping sauce.

One Dumpling 32 cal, 0.4 gm total fat, 0 gm saturated fat, 6 gm carb, 0.3 gm fiber.

MY NOTE: Does not make 45 dumplings.  I practically doubled the recipe and only got 40.

MXF