September 29th is National Dumpling Day! Dumplings are a dinner staple in a large number of culinary cultures. Support a local restaurant or make your own dumplings using one of these books. Yum!
Let's Make Dumplings!: A Comic Book Cookbook by Hugh Amano & Sarah Becan
"Chef Hugh Amano and comics artist Sarah Becan invite you to explore the big little world of Asian dumplings! Ideal for both newbies and seasoned cooks, this comic book cookbook takes a fun approach to a classic treat that is imbued with history across countless regions. From wontons to potstickers, buuz to momos, Amano’s expert guidance paired with Becan’s colorful and detailed artwork prove that intricate folding styles and flavorful fillings are achievable in the home kitchen. Let’s Make Dumplings! includes dumpling lore; a master folding guide that familiarizes readers with popular styles, like the pleated crescent of a potsticker or the 4-pointed star of a crab rangoon; and a series of cooking directions to choose from, such as steaming or pan-frying. The recipes range from savory Gyoza to sweet Cambodian Num Kom; from classic Baozi to riffs such as Sesame Chicken Dumplings. Whether it is the family-style eating experience of stacked steamer baskets filled with succulent shumai and plump xiaolongbao or the interactive process of working together to fold hundreds of jiaozi for a celebration, Let’s Make Dumplings! captures the deep level of connection that dumplings bring to any gathering and shows you how to re-create it in your own home." -From the Publisher
"Acclaimed photographer Brian Yarvin has traveled to neighborhood kiosks, festivals, and restaurants in ethnic neighborhoods throughout the northeastern United States to bring more than 100 traditional dumpling and filled-pie recipes from places as near as Flushing, Queens, to as far away as Uzbekistan and beyond. Starting with the basics of dough making, steaming, and frying, Yarvin provides mouthwatering color photographs and step-by-step instructions so that anyone can recreate their grandmother's pierogi or street-food favorite at home, using ingredients from the local supermarket. Also included are tips for where to buy hard-to-find ingredients, and―if you just can't stand the wait of making your own―ethnic neighborhoods where you can find ready-to-eat dumplings." -From the Publisher
The Dumpling Galaxy Cookbook by Helen You
"From one of Eater's 38 best restaurants in America—which has been hailed by the New York magazine, Michelin Guide, and more for serving the freshest dumplings in New York City—comes the ultimate Chinese cookbook with 60 dumping recipes and dim sum-like sides. New York Times critic Pete Wells calls Helen You "a kind of genius for creating miniature worlds of flavor" and, indeed her recipes redefine the dumpling: Lamb and Green Squash with Sichuan pepper; Spicy Shrimp and Celery; Wood Ear Mushroom and Cabbage; and desserts such as Sweet Pumpkin and Black Sesame Tang Yuan. With information on the elements of a great dumpling, stunning photography, and detailed instructions for folding and cooking dumplings, this cookbook is a jumping-off point for creating your own galaxy of flavors." -From the Publisher
"Like many of his predecessors, chef Chris Cheung was inspired by the place where he grew up, lived, worked, and ate. From take-out orders at tiny hole-in-the wall teahouses to the lush green vegetables piled high at the markets, celebration dinners at colossal banquet halls to authentic home-cooked meals, Chinatown’s culinary treasures and culture laid the groundwork for his career as a chef and serve as the creative force behind this book. In addition to learning the technique to make his widely revered dumplings, this cookbook includes fifty mouth-watering dishes that pay homage to the cooking traditions of Chinatown and celebrate this remarkable, resilient neighborhood. Cheung shares his thoughtful tour de force takes on timeless Chinese classics like potstickers, spring rolls, wonton soup, General Tso's chicken, beef and broccoli, scallion pancakes, har gow (shrimp dumplings), chicken chow mein, salt-and-pepper shrimp, lobster Cantonese, egg cakes, congee, and dozens of other delicious, authentic recipes perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Through personal insights, stories, and recipes, the author walks you through the markets, restaurants, and streets, providing a stunning portrait of this important cuisine and its countless contributions to American culture." -From the Publisher
Gyoza: The Ultimate Dumpling Cookbook by Paradise Yamamoto (Hoopla)
"Whether eaten in an exclusive restaurant or at a humble street stall, gyoza dumplings are the ultimate Asian comfort food. Dumplings are surprisingly easy to make once you learn a few basic techniques. Step-by-step instructions, photos, and helpful tips show you how to wrap dumplings like the "Gyoza King," Paradise Yamamoto, himself--even if it's your first try." -From the Publisher
Hey There, Dumpling! by Kenny Lao (Hoopla)
"Kenny Lao loves dumplings. Growing up, his fondest memories were the dumpling parties that filled his house with friends and family. Everyone gathered in the kitchen and took a place in line to create the dumplings: making fillings, stuffing and wrapping, and all the way down to the stove for pan-frying and steaming. In Dumplings!, Lao brings the party to you, showing you how easy it is to make delicious dumplings. With more than 100 recipes, there is no shortage of dishes. Lao embraces all flavors in his succulent dumpling creations: Classic Pork and Napa Cabbage, Szechuan Chicken, Barbecued Pork and Collards, Chicken and Thai Basil, Vegetarian Edamame, and more. The book is also filled with recipes for noodles, salads, soups, sweets, and drinks—all the necessary ingredients to complement the main event. Dumplings! is the go-to guide for throwing a killer party with flavorful dumplings." -From the Publisher