Bitter Melon & Black Garlic Cloud Dumplings

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the bitter melon: Halve the bitter melon lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Thinly slice the bitter melon. In a small bowl, toss the bitter melon slices with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.

   ~20 min
2. 2

   Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.

   ~40 min
3. 3

   Make the filling: Finely mince the black garlic. In a medium bowl, combine the prepared bitter melon, minced black garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, white pepper, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch. Mix well to combine.

   ~10 min
4. 4

   Assemble the dumplings: Divide the rested dough into 20-24 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin, round wrapper (about 3 inches in diameter), keeping the edges slightly thinner than the center. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the dough over the filling and pleat the edges to seal, creating a crescent or any desired dumpling shape.

   ~25 min
5. 5

   Steam the dumplings: Line your steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through.

   ~12 min
6. 6

   Serve immediately.