Sanhe Rice Dumplings – A Crispy and Chewy Anhui Snack

Sanhe Rice Dumplings

Sanhe Rice Dumplings (三河米饺) are a unique and flavorful traditional snack from Sanhe Ancient Town, located in Feixi County, Hefei City, Anhui Province. With nearly a century of history, these dumplings are deeply connected to the events of the Taiping Rebellion, particularly to the young Taiping general, Chen Yucheng. The story of Sanhe Rice Dumplings is one of loyalty, respect, and the bond between the common people and the Taiping army.

Historical Origins

The origin of Sanhe Rice Dumplings can be traced back to the Taiping Rebellion in the mid-19th century. During this tumultuous period, Chen Yucheng, a young general in the Taiping army, gained the affection and admiration of the people in Sanhe. To show their respect and support for the Taiping soldiers, the local villagers decided to prepare a special food for them. They made dumpling wrappers using high-quality rice flour and filled them with a mixture of five-spice pork and other seasonings. After frying the dumplings, the villagers sent them to the Taiping army as a gesture of goodwill.

This snack not only provided nourishment for the soldiers but also became a symbol of the strong bond between the Taiping forces and the people of Sanhe. Over time, Sanhe Rice Dumplings evolved from a military ration into a beloved local delicacy, eventually becoming one of the signature foods of Sanhe Ancient Town.

Preparation Process

  1. Selecting Ingredients: The key ingredients for these dumplings include high-quality rice flour, as well as a mix of pork belly, dried tofu, and shrimp, which are the main components of the filling. Additional seasonings such as scallions, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and MSG are also used to enhance the flavor.
  2. Making the Dumpling Wrappers: To make the wrappers, the rice flour is first cooked in a pot and then mixed with water. The mixture is stirred until it reaches a temperature of around 60°C. After cooling slightly, the dough is kneaded until smooth. Small portions of the dough, about 65 grams each, are then rolled into round balls. Using a rolling pin or hands, these balls are flattened into circles about 10 centimeters in diameter and 1.7 millimeters thick.
  3. Preparing the Filling: The filling consists of finely diced pork belly, dried tofu, and small shrimp. The ingredients are sautéed in hot oil with scallions, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and MSG to bring out the flavors. Then, a slurry of starch and water is added to the pan, and the mixture is stirred until it thickens, forming a savory, flavorful filling.
  4. Assembling the Dumplings: To assemble the dumplings, a spoonful of the prepared filling is placed in the center of each dumpling wrapper. The wrapper is then folded over and the edges are pinched together to form a crescent-shaped dumpling.
  5. Frying the Dumplings: A wok or deep pan is heated with vegetable oil until it reaches 70% heat. The dumplings are gently placed into the hot oil and fried until they turn a golden brown. The temperature is then reduced to medium heat, and the dumplings are fried for another 5 minutes until crispy and fully cooked.

Taste and Flavor Profile

Sanhe Rice Dumplings are known for their exceptional texture and rich flavor. When freshly fried, the dumplings are golden and crisp on the outside, with a light coating of bubbles that give them a delightful crunch. The wrapper itself is soft and slightly chewy, offering a tender bite that contrasts with the crispy outer layer.

The filling is savory and fragrant, with the rich flavors of pork belly, tofu, and shrimp combining harmoniously. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors, with the subtle sweetness of the rice flour and the savory depth of the filling. The dumplings are especially fragrant due to the rice aroma, which lingers in the mouth and makes the dish particularly memorable.

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Feel free to ask any question about this place ^_^x
enjoy the same discount as a Chinese