How to Make Dim Sum

One of the best reasons to travel to Hong Kong is to savor Dim Sum. In ancient China, there is a tradition called Yam Cha, where tea is accompanied by small snacks known as Dim Sum. This is why Dim Sum is often served in teahouses or alongside tea. Dim Sum comes in various types, as the fillings differ. Some are filled with chicken, while others are with shrimp, but all are served with tea.

Eating Dim Sum is not only one of Hong Kong's famous traditions but also a delicious and memorable experience for tourists in this city. Among the teahouses in the city, Lin Heung Teahouse is recommended. "Lin Heung" means "Fragrant Lotus," named after lotus seeds used in mooncakes. This two-story restaurant dates back to 1889.

Ingredients for Dim Sum:

• 150 grams of white flour

• 1/4 cup of cold water

• 1/4 cup of boiling water

• 1 tablespoon of oil

• 75 grams of ground meat

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 75 grams of mushrooms, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

• Enough cooking oil

• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch

• Salt and red pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Finely chop one small onion and fry it in a little oil. Then add the ground meat and sauté well for 5 minutes until it turns brown.

2. Chop the mushrooms and add them to the mixture. Once the mushroom's water evaporates, add the soy sauce. Dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the mixture. Finally, add salt and red pepper, remove from heat, and let it cool.

3. To prepare the dough, sift 150 grams of flour and mix it with 1/4 cup of boiling water. Then add 1/4 cup of cold water and 1 tablespoon of oil, mixing well to form the dough. Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface and knead the dough until it's no longer sticky.

4. Divide the dough into 16 equal balls. Roll each ball flat with a rolling pin until it's about 1 mm thick. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough piece and gather the edges to shape it as desired.

5. Heat oil in a small pot (enough to submerge the dough pieces). Fry the Dim Sum until golden, then place them on a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil. Serve the Dim Sum with your preferred sauce.

Tips for Making Dim Sum:

• Most traditional Dim Sum are cooked in wooden steamers brought to the table on trolleys.

• Various types of Dim Sum can also be made with rice flour.

• Fill Dim Sum with chopped boiled shrimp, finely chopped green onions, sesame seeds, bamboo shoots, and bell peppers.

• To remove the smell of meat, use a grated clove of garlic or a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.

• Dim Sum is a light Chinese dish traditionally served with a herbal tea called "Yum Cha" in regions of China known as Canton.