Q: How many dumplings does your ingredients list make? A: You can make around 130 dumplings for 2 pounds of meat (especially if you add different veggies) I would assume that everyone will eat around 10 dumplings (although this may vary if you very hungry guests!) I think it’s always better to have more food, so if you’re afraid there won’t be enough food, buy another pound of meat and another package of wrappers (2 pounds should cover 3 packages of dumpling wrappers). If you have extras, just freeze them on a cookie sheet and once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to plastic bags for another meal!

Q: How long do you boil the fresh dumplings for?
A: I’d say around 15 minutes – the way my family prepares boiled dumplings is pretty similar to the way we prepare pasta – let the water come to a boil, drop in the dumplings, turn down the heat to medium and let the water come to a boil again. Once the water comes to a boil again, drop in a cup of cold water and once it comes to a boil again, the dumplings are ready.

Q: Is there an alternative to Shepherd’s Purse?
A: The great thing about dumplings is that you can add any kind of veggie you like! My mom likes frozen spinach, cabbage, or even shredded carrots! (If you use shredded carrots, I’d recommend using beef rather than pork) When we were kids, my mom used to add tofu and wheat germ, so really, anything you want to add is a-ok!

Q: What other kitchen equipment will I need?
A: Chopsticks (or spoons) to scoop up the filling, bowls of water to dip your fingers in to close the dumpling skins, a big pot for boiling dumplings, a skillet for frying dumplings, and a slotted spoon or a colander for removing the dumplings from the water (although, when people boil dumplings, they sometimes drink the water as well).

Best of luck with your birthday party and let me know how it goes!

How many dumplings does your ingredients list make? Would it be enough to cover 10 people?

How long do you boil the fresh dumplings for?

Is there an alternative to Shepherd’s Purse?

What other kitchen equipment will I need?

Thank you!