Dim Sum

Dim sum are a range of light hearted meals offered along with Chinese tea. The dishes served are mainly steamed or fried, which include meat, vegetables, sea food, desserts and fruits.

Today this form of meal seems to be a part of the Chinese custom. Families gather for celebrating occasions like Chinese New Year, holidays like Sundays and even restaurants offer special discounts in the morning and late afternoon hour.

But originally, it was an ancient Cantonese custom, based on the tradition of Yum Cha (drinking tea), whereby travellers on the famous Silk Road required a resting place.

Normally people would visit the local tea shop along the road for an afternoon tea and some relaxation.

It took several years for people to understand that there was no harm in combining tea and meals. As it would only aid in the proper digestion of food. Thereby, tea shops started adding a variety of snacks as an accompaniment. And thus the tradition of Dim sum evolved.

Traditional dim sums are served on a push cart, while the customer chooses from the vast assortment of dishes. Most restaurants these days have done away with the cart system. Rather, a menu card is offered to make the selection. And the food brought in served in steamer baskets to keep it warm.

The meal is always served in a certain way which is, steamed dishes, next exotic ones, followed by a deep fried, and finished with a dessert/fruit.

Vegetarian Potstickers Recipe

Few potsticker wrappers

1 tsp - Sesame oil

¼ cup - Carrot shredded

¼ cup - Bok choy shredded

¼ cup - Mushroom finely chopped

¼ cup - Chestnut finely chopped

¼ cup - Celery finely chopped

2 No - Garlic clove minced

1 tbsp - Soy sauce

Salt to taste

Mix the vegetables with the seasonings.

Place a teaspoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper.

Fold the wrapper over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.

Heat oil in a pan and place the dumplings and cook on high heat until golden brown.

Then add 1/4 cup of water and immediately cover and cook for a few minutes. This will steam the dumplings.

Then cook uncovered till all the water evaporates.

To view more articles on vegetarianism visit my website.

Been a vegetarian through out my life and since I have had a keen interest in cooking I have come up with several recipes across cuisines.

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