Different cultures around the world are famous for their culinary wonders. As families migrated to different countries, their traditional foods came along. Now many of these foods are widely available in restaurants and grocery stores in major metropolitan areas of the United States, including Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dumplings are a staple food in many international cultures. Steamed, fried or baked, they are made from simple ingredients. One thing they have in common is that they are comfort food.
“Dumplings are very popular because they often honor tradition and culture. Many dumplings are featured during holidays — a symbol of prosperity and good fortune”, Chef Instructor of Culinary Pastry Hospitality, Jeffrey Glick at Dallas College/El Centro College North Campus said. “A dumpling, in its simplest definition, is a small amount of filling, savory or sweet, encased in a simple dough and then steamed, boiled, or fried”,
China is best known for several dumplings, like wontons, baozi and jiaozi, Japan is famous for gyoza. Poland has the pierogi and knedle. Italy has ravioli and tortellini. Jewish are famous for kreplach. India has samosas. Spain has empanadas and Nepal and Tibet are known for momos.
“Every country seems to have a dumpling adapted to the regional foods and rich histories”, Glick added.
He added that dumplings can be simple or complex to make and notes that chicken and dumplings are made in the Dallas College culinary program’s Basic Food Prep class. There are more complex versions too.
“Many international dumplings are made in our advanced quantity class where we prepare international dishes. At the beginning of the semester, students prepare a menu from a region in a particular foreign country. Many times, dumplings are featured,” he said.
Dallas College’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute offers culinary programs at two locations: El Centro Campus in downtown Dallas and the new satellite Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality Center (The CPH) at 11830 Webb Chapel Rd in Dallas. Two-year degrees and certificates are available. More information is available at https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/credit/food-hospitality/pages/ default.aspx
