Dumplings

Afghan mantu, one of the most beloved dishes of the Afghan people, consists of meat and onion stuffed dumplings, either a thick yogurt and garlic sauce or chakkah (strained yogurt), and a tomato-based sauce. Traditionally, fresh pastry or wonton wrappers are first stuffed with a filling made from ground lamb or beef meat and minced onions, and then shaped to form a dumpling that is cooked by steaming. The dish is arranged in the following manner: on a large plate first comes a spread of yogurt and chopped mint as a base, then a layer of dumplings, topped with yet another layer of chakkah. The tomato-based sauce is left for the final layer, usually containing either split peas, kidney beans, or ground meat.

Afghan mantu

Italy

A variety of Italian pasta ripiena (lit. filled pasta), agnolotti are tender, bite-sized pillows of dough, plump with a creamy cheese, meat, or vegetable filling. Agnolotti originated in the Piedmont region circa 12th century, and they are often regarded as the first of many stuffed pasta types in northern Italian cuisine. Unlike ravioli, which are made with two separate pasta sheets and stamped out, agnolotti are made with a single sheet of dough that is folded over the filling and typically cut into little rectangles. However, throughout the region, agnolotti come in various shapes. Around Langhe and Monferrato, they are sealed with a firm pinch, which gives them their distinctive appearance, and they are called agnolotti al plin, while the town of Asti is known for agnolotti gobbi (lit. hunchbacked) - pasta pockets that are filled so abundantly that they become slightly curved. Another interesting variety are the half-moon-shaped agnolotti a mezzaluna. They are traditionally filled with a mixture of different leftover meats which are often flavored with wine and herbs, and some of the classic fillings include stracotto - slowly braised beef, roasted rabbit, pork, or even chicken. Unique to the entire region are agnolotti filled with donkey meat, a specialty of the town of Calliano. Numerous other local variants exist, including the addition of vegetables such as spinach, chard, or even artichokes, and ricotta or fontina cheese. Agnolotti can either be enjoyed cooked simply in a beef broth or heaped over with juices from the roasted meats. Sometimes, they are served with rag&ugrave; alla Piemontese or other, more elaborate meat sauces. Burro fuso e salvia (lit. melted butter and sage) is another commonly used sauce; it lends a rich, nutty taste of browned butter and a wonderful herbal aroma to agnolotti, which are traditionally finished with some grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Agnolotti

Agnolotti del plin is a traditional dish from Piedmont that is made with small, usually boat-shaped agnolotti pasta. The pasta is traditionally filled with veal, pork or rabbit meat, this was mainly done with leftover roasts, but vegetables such as cabbage or spinach are also occasionally used. The name of the dish stems from the local dialect in which plin translates as a pinch, referring to the preparation method of sealing each agnolotto with a firm squeeze. Agnolotti del plin can be served doused in melted butter, a combination of butter and fresh sage (burro e salvia), tomato sauce, rag&ugrave;, or meat drippings sauce (sugo d'arrosto).

Agnolotti del plin

Originally made by the Amis, one of Taiwan&rsquo;s aboriginal nations, alivongvong is a traditional delicacy comprised of a sticky rice dumpling filled with meat, and the whole thing is carefully enclosed within a small, hand-crafted leaf basket. Steamed white and black rice is usually used for the rice dumpling, while the typical filling contains pork, wild boar meat, or fish and mushrooms. The typical leaf choice are pandan leaves, which are skillfully fashioned into a small, free-standing basket. The leaf basket is then steamed, a process which imparts a lovely pandan leaf fragrance and flavor to the dumpling. A type of zongzi, alivongvong, also known as alifengfeng, is often dubbed the Amis&rsquo; lunchbox due to its convenient transportability. It is sometimes also referred to as the Amis lovers&rsquo; box meal as in the olden days it was a custom for the Amis women to pack their husbands&rsquo; meals in hand-woven leaf baskets. The dish reflects the traditional and naturalistic aspect of the Taiwanese Aboriginal cuisine and is available at night markets and eateries that offer aboriginal culinary specialties.

Alivongvong

Amadombolo are traditional South African dumplings. They're either made with a combination of maize flour, salt, water, and baking powder, or a combination of cake flour, mealie meal, water, yeast, salt, and sugar. The dry ingredients are sifted into a bowl and kneaded with water, and the dough is then left to rest before it's shaped into dumplings. The dumplings are traditionally added to various stews, and it is recommended to serve the stew and dumplings with pap on the side.

Amadombolo

Anolini is a variety of meat-filled pasta with its origin disputed between the cities of Parma and Piacenza, and the most traditional way to enjoy it is in brodo - cooked in a rich meat broth. This hearty dish is an important part of Christmas traditions throughout the region of Emilia-Romagna. The family members gather on Christmas Eve to make anolini from scratch &ndash; each one is handmade, formed by wrapping a mixture of ground meat, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and breadcrumbs in fresh egg pasta dough. This elaborate task is a great introduction for the festive Christmas lunch, when anolini are cooked in meat broth, preferably the one made in terza, meaning with three types of meat: beef, capon, and pork. Although one might think that a dish consisting only of stuffed pasta served in a clear broth is unworthy of the festive Christmas table, the quality of ingredients and all the hard work invested in the preparation of the dish create a delicious meal that easily explains this tradition from the first bite.

Anolini in brodo

These delicious Afghan dumplings are traditionally filled with either chopped spring onions or gandana, a type of leek grown in almost every province in Afghanistan. Aushak, called also ashak, is usually served with minced beef or lamb meat rag&ugrave; and chakkah, a thick strained yogurt sauce flavored with garlic and fresh mint.

Aushak

Russia

Avar khinkal is a traditional dish from the Avar people of Dagestan, in the North Caucasus region of Russia, with the main element being the dough, made from simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt, and shaped into small, flat squares or diamond-shaped pieces. These dough pieces are then boiled until they are soft and slightly chewy, creating the foundation of the meal. The dish is usually served with boiled meat, typically lamb or beef, which is cooked separately and often presented with some of the flavorful broth. The meat and broth are secondary to the dough, which is the true star of the dish. Accompanying the khinkal are various sauces and condiments, such as garlic sauce made from garlic, vinegar, and broth, as well as tomato sauce and sour cream. Chili peppers, fresh herbs like cilantro, and raw onions are often served on the side, adding vibrant flavors to the otherwise simple components. Traditionally, Avar Khinkal is served as a communal dish, with the dough, meat, and sauces arranged separately, allowing diners to dip the dough pieces in the broth or sauce and enjoy them with bites of meat.

Avar khinkal

Balanzoni is a traditional pasta dish originating from Bologna. The dish consists of large green tortellini-like pasta that's stuffed with ricotta, spinach, eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano, and chopped mortadella or pork loin. The pasta is green because it's been prepared with spinach. The stuffed pasta is cooked and it's then traditionally served with butter and sage sauce. The name refers to Dr. Balanzone, a carnival mascot of Bologna, and more specifically his hat, which resembles the shape of this pasta.

Balanzoni

Vietnam

These translucent Vietnamese dumplings are usually prepared with tapioca-based wrappers and a filling which typically combines shrimps and fatty pork. The dumplings can be cooked or wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed. They are traditionally served with a fish-based dipping sauce on the side. It is believed that b&aacute;nh bột lọc originated in Huế &ndash; the ancient imperial city known for its balanced, sophisticated specialties.

Bánh bột lọc

B&aacute;nh gi&ograve; is a stuffed rice flour dumpling that is usually associated with Northern Vietnam. This typical breakfast dish is made with a thick paste consisting of rice flour and pork or chicken broth and a savory filling that combines ground pork, shallots, wood ear mushrooms, and seasonings. The rice flour paste is stuffed into pyramid-shaped banana leaves, and the filling is then placed in the center before the pouch is folded and steamed. B&aacute;nh gi&ograve; are best served warm, and although these large dumplings can be eaten plain, they are occasionally accompanied by various sauces.

Bánh giò

B&aacute;nh gối are crispy Vietnamese dumplings. The wrapper is usually gyoza skin or a combination of flour, sugar, salt, water, and baking powder, while the filling includes soaked and chopped glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, minced pork, shredded carrots, and shallots or white parts of spring onions. Once assembled, the dumplings are fried in hot oil until golden and crispy. B&aacute;nh gối is traditionally accompanied by a dipping sauce on the side, consisting of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers. The dish is also often served with fresh herbs such as lettuce, basil, and coriander.

Bánh gối

B&aacute;nh &iacute;t trần is a traditional rice dumpling. The dough is made from rice flour, salt, and water, while the filling is often a mixture of mung beans, pork or shrimp, onions, salt, and pepper. Once assembled, they're traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, then drizzled with onion oil. These savory dumplings are usually served with a dipping fish sauce and a combination of pickled carrots and white onions.

Bánh ít trần

B&aacute;nh nậm is a traditional dumpling origianting from Hue. The batter is made with a combination of rice and tapioca flour, sugar, and salt, while the filling consists of shrimps, minced pork, salt, pepper, sugar, shallots, annatto oil, and green onions. The rectangular and flat dumplings are wrapped in banana leaves, then steamed. When served, b&aacute;nh nậm is traditionally accompanied by fish sauce for dipping on the side. The dumplings are typically sold at the markets because the banana leaves make them easy to transport and keep the interior supple and soft.

Bánh nậm

Bansh are Mongolian dumplings that are sealed tightly, then boiled in water with a pinch of salt. The dough is typically made with wheat flour, water, and salt, while the filling consists of ground beef or mutton, garlic, onions, herbs, and spices. When the dumplings float to the top, they are done, and can be served in milk tea or soups, although they are more commonly served as a separate dish with condiments on the side.

Bansh

One of China's favorite breakfast foods and an everyday snack, baozi - or simply bao, as it&rsquo;s usually called - is a steamed bun, made with the so-called mantou bread, and stuffed with a wide variety of fillings ranging from savory to sweet, but they typically include various meats, seafood, or vegetables. Most popular types are char siu bao, filled with Cantonese-style barbecued pork; the smaller, mincemeat-filled Shanghai-style baozi called xiao long bao or Shengjian mantou; and the succulent tangbao or guantang bau, large soup-filled bao buns made with pork or crab stock. These are usually served in their own individual steaming basket, with a straw used to drink the soup while the rest of the bun is eaten later. The flavorful baozi buns were originally known as a peasant dish, but with high-end restaurants breathing new life into this working-class Chinese staple, the once humble steamed bun is finally seeing its renaissance. In China, however, they are still found in virtually every corner, freshly prepared on the spot using bamboo steaming baskets, and sold by numerous street vendors.

Baozi

Ba wan is the most common street food in Taiwan. This traditional Taiwanese dumpling has become so popular that it is considered to be the national dish of the country. It is made with rice flour and potato starch dough that is usually filled with pork, bamboo, and mushrooms. Ba wan can be steamed or fried and is commonly served with a sweet and spicy sauce or a flavorful broth. It is not considered to be the most prestigious food in Taiwan, but it is the favorite among all social classes. The varieties of ba wan depend on the region, but the traditional type is thoroughly steamed and then dipped in hot oil to make the skin almost translucent. Regional differences also exist in the way ba wan is served - in the north, it is usually cut open before serving, while the southern version is often left untouched. Nowadays, this chewy and sticky dumpling is sold on almost every corner in Taiwan.

Ba wan

Finland

Traditionally associated with the northern parts of Sweden and the Finnish Lapland, blodpalt are the nutritious, dark-brown dumplings prepared with rye or barley flour and animal&rsquo;s blood. Although they were traditionally made with reindeer&rsquo;s blood, today they appear in numerous regional varieties which employ blood of various animals, different spices, and occasionally mashed potatoes. They are sometimes filled with a mixture of saut&eacute;ed onions and diced bacon, and are commonly cooked in flavorful meat broths. Blodpalt dumplings are usually enjoyed as a side dish accompanied by fried bacon or pork, butter, and lingonberry jam.

Blodpalt

B&ouml;hmische kn&ouml;del, or Bohemian dumplings, are yeast-based dumplings made from a dough of flour, yeast, water or milk, eggs, and a touch of sugar and salt. Unlike typical round dumplings, they are shaped into a log and steamed, resulting in an incredibly fluffy and soft texture that absorbs sauces perfectly. Traditionally served with dishes like goulash, roast pork with sauerkraut, or goose with red cabbage, these dumplings are a staple in Central European cuisine. Optionally, small bread cubes can be incorporated into the dough for added texture. After steaming, it's customary to slice them using a string rather than a knife to achieve cleaner cuts.

Böhmische knödel

United States

Boova Shenkel is a traditional dish originating from Pennsylvanian Dutch cuisine. The dish consists of a beef stew and potato dumplings that are essentially giant, oversized pierogis. The ingredients include beef, eggs, potatoes, flour, parsley or celery, lard, onions, butter, cubed bread, milk, white pepper, and salt. The dumplings are boiled in the beef broth, then often pan-fried in butter. When served, the dish is usually topped with a beef gravy or brown butter sauce. Boova shenkel is typically served during the Lenten season before Easter. The name of the dish means boys' legs, referring to the dumplings that resemble thick and short legs.