DIM SUM….DIM SUM….!

ALL PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

Have I mentioned before on this blog, that I adore Dim Sum?  I believe I have….

I am yet to meet anyone who has tasted and doesn't love these tasty, healthy little dumplings…and if you have never had them before, you really must try them. A style of Cantonese food, linked with the ancient tradition of 'yum cha' (tea tasting), they are prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food. Traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates, and made in various forms using a variety of ingredients, they can be cooked by steaming or frying, among other methods.

What I hadn't appreciated until recently, is just how creative, fun and relatively uncomplicated they are to make oneself!  My daughter Georgie, who regular readers may know works as a private chef, was visiting home recently and gave me her 'Masterclass' in making Dim Sum…...and now I am hooked!

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

The variety that I cooked over the weekend, were 'Siu Mai' open faced dumplings…..which are super healthy, as they are gently steamed.

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Siu Mai outer 'skins' can be made, but can also be bought at good Asian supermarkets. I was fortunate to have a few packets left in my freezer by Georgie, who shops regularly for Asian ingredients either in China Town, or at one of North London's fantastic Asian food suppliers. We sadly don't have such exotic shopping here in rural Kent….unless anyone knows otherwise?

Our choice of filling on Saturday night, was a delicious mix of lean free-range pork and prawns….combined with lemon grass, ginger, garlic, galangal, chilli and coriander….

Dipped in soya, chilli or Ponzu sauce (the latter a new yummy discovery)….just delicious.

Traditionally served with tea, but I can also recommend a glass of bubbles, which worked perfectly too!

For great inspiration for mastering the art of 

making an array of fabulous Asian dumplings, I can highly recommend the cook book 'Asian Dumplings' by Andrea Nguyen, which takes you step by step through the delicious and enjoyable art if Dim Sum.

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Wishing you a very happy week!

Sophia xx