Shadow's Embrace Dumplings with Ruby Revelation

Ingredients

• For the Dumpling Dough
• 1 cup (120g) Rye flour
• 1 cup (120g) All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml), plus more if needed Warm water
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• For the Midnight Mushroom & Lentil Filling
• 8 oz (225g) Cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup Black lentils, cooked until tender
• 1/2 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp Tamari or soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• For the Ruby Beet Revelation Purée
• 2 large (about 1.5 cups) Cooked beets, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp (or to taste) Maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60ml), or as needed Vegetable broth
• To taste Salt and black pepper
• For the Dill-Cashew Drizzle
• 1/2 cup (60g) Raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, then drained
• 1/4 cup (60ml), plus more if needed Water
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• For serving (optional)
• For garnish Fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

1. **1. Prepare the Dill-Cashew Drizzle:** Combine soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, fresh dill, and salt in a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If too thick, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency. Set aside.
2. **2. Make the Ruby Beet Revelation Purée:** In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped cooked beets, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Blend until very smooth. Adjust seasoning and consistency with more broth if needed. Transfer to a small saucepan to gently reheat before serving.
3. **3. Prepare the Midnight Mushroom & Lentil Filling:** Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the finely chopped mushrooms, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Sauté until the mushrooms release their liquid and brown, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked black lentils, nutritional yeast, tamari, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, mashing slightly to combine flavors. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to prevent the dough from becoming sticky.
5. **4. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the warm water and 1 tbsp olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
6. **5. Assemble the Dumplings:** Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface to about 1/16-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter or a glass rim to cut out circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
7. Place a teaspoon of the cooled mushroom-lentil filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no filling leaks out. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. You should get approximately 20-24 dumplings.
8. **6. Cook the Dumplings:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water, in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon.
9. **7. Optional Pan-Sear for Texture:** For a more thrilling texture, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the boiled dumplings and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden and crispy.
10. **8. Plate and Serve:** Smear a spoonful of the warm Ruby Beet Revelation Purée artistically on each serving plate. Arrange 4-6 cooked dumplings on top of the beet purée. Drizzle generously with the Dill-Cashew Drizzle. Garnish with a fresh sprig of dill if desired. Serve immediately and watch your guests uncover the secrets within!