Spiced Butternut Squash Dumplings with Ginger Broth
Spiced Butternut Squash Dumplings with Ginger Broth is a comforting and sophisticated dish featuring sweet, creamy roasted butternut squash dumplings infused with warm spices, served in a bright and aromatic ginger vegetable broth. Perfect for seasonal cooking, this vegan and gluten-free recipe balances sweetness and zest, making it a wholesome and flavorful choice for any occasion.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking and simmering
- Cuisine: Fusion / Contemporary
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Dumpling Filling
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled, cubed, roasted and mashed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dumpling Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- Pinch of salt
- Water, as needed to form dough (approximately 3/4 cup)
Ginger Broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Drizzle of toasted sesame oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Roast and Prepare the Squash: Peel and cube about two cups of butternut squash. Roast the cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until soft and caramelized around the edges. Let cool, then mash until smooth to create the dumpling filling base.
- Mix the Dumpling Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water to form a soft but not sticky dough. Knead gently for a few minutes, cover with a damp towel, and let rest while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Spiced Filling: Mix the mashed butternut squash with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to balance the sweetness and spice.
- Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into thin circles. Place a small spoonful of the squash filling into the center, then fold and pinch the edges securely to form neat dumplings, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
- Simmer the Ginger Broth: Sauté minced garlic and grated fresh ginger in a splash of sesame oil in a pot until fragrant. Add vegetable broth and simmer for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Dumplings: Gently drop dumplings into the simmering ginger broth. Cook until dumplings float and are tender, approximately 6-8 minutes, allowing the broth’s warmth to infuse the dumplings.
- Serve: Ladle the dumplings and broth into bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy with a side of steamed jasmine rice or lightly dressed greens for freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh ginger for a bright and sharp flavor unmatched by dried ginger.
- Do not overfill dumplings to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Keep dough covered with a damp cloth while shaping to prevent drying out.
- Roast the squash well to enhance sweetness and add depth of flavor.
- Simmer dumplings gently in the broth to maintain texture and avoid tearing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum.
- Leftover dumplings and broth should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days to avoid sogginess.
- Freeze uncooked dumplings on parchment-lined trays before transferring to freezer-safe bags; freeze broth separately in portions.
- Reheat dumplings by gently simmering in warmed broth rather than microwaving to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 6 dumplings with broth)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: butternut squash, dumplings, ginger broth, vegan, gluten-free, autumn recipe, comfort food, spiced, vegetarian