| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 12 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 5g | 4g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 42g | 6g | 6g | 0.4g |
There’s something special about our Ensete Leaf Steamed Dumplings; something that goes beyond their delicious taste and health benefits. On one hand, this recipe is an embodiment of my culinary philosophy, influenced by my Boston and Irish roots. It gorgeous combines the natural abundance of New England with the warmth of Irish homely cooking; although, it ventures further into some tantalizing tropical territory.
Inspired By Traditional Delights
Of course, within these Ensete Leaf Steamed Dumplings, you’ll find no staples of the Irish or New England kitchen. Instead, you’ll taste the sweet and tangy symphony of tropical fruits and aromatic coconut to emulate the unique taste typical of more exotic cuisines. A bite into these dumplings often takes me back to a beach vacation Laura and I once took, where our senses were overwhelmed with novel yet delightful flavors.
This recipe may remind enthusiasts of the well-known Hawaiian Mango Bread, another tropical delight that harnesses the power of fruit in baking. Notably, these dumplings also work excellently as an accompaniment to Thai green curry, or even served as a unique dessert after a seafood boil– a nod to my New England roots.
Benefits Beyond Flavor
Ensete Leaf Steamed Dumplings are not merely a flavorful bite; they house exceptional nutritional benefits. Ensete leaves, integral to this recipe, are rich in fibers and vitamins. The vibrant tropical fruits within these dumplings, such as mango and pineapple, are packed with vitamins A and C. They also provide a respectable dose of essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Lastly, the use of coconut oil is a healthier alternative that adds a hint of authentic tropical charm while also providing a source of good fats.
Mastering these dumplings left me with a feeling that I was adding to the remarkable legacy of family recipes passed down through generations, albeit with a tropical twist. It’s a token of my global culinary journey that I look forward to sharing with my baby boy when he gets a little older.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups diced Tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, papaya)
- 6 Fresh Ensete leaves
- 2 cups Sweet rice flour
- 1 cup White sugar
- 1/2 cup Shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
- 2 cups of Water
Method
Step One
Wash the Ensete leaves thoroughly with water and pat them dry using a clean towel.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the sweet rice flour, sugar, and salt. Mix these ingredients together until they are well blended.
Step Three
Add water gradually while stirring continuously until a smooth and thick batter forms. Set the batter aside allowing it to rest for about 10-15 minutes.
Step Four
Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced tropical fruits and cook them for approximately 5 minutes or until they are softened and caramelized.
Step Five
Add the shredded coconut to the pan and toss it with the caramelized fruits. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
Step Six
Lay the washed Ensete leaves out flat, and spoon some of the batter into the middle of each leaf. Top the batter with a spoonful of the cooled tropical fruit and coconut mixture.
Step Seven
Fold the edges of the leaves over the filling, forming a parcel. Use kitchen string to tie the parcels so they will remain closed during steaming.
Step Eight
Place the dumpling parcels in a steamer. Steam them over high heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Nine
Remove the dumplings from the steamer and let them cool down a bit. Untie the strings and unfold the Ensete leaves. The Ensete Leaf Steamed Dumplings are ready to serve and enjoy!
