VEGETABLE DUMPLINGS WITH DALE TALDE

Steps:

• For the dumplings: Trim and discard the stems from the mushrooms and finely chop the caps. In a large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Add salt to taste. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.
• To the same pan, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the kale and cook, stirring, until wilted and most of the liquid has evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes. Add salt to taste. Transfer to the bowl with the mushrooms.
• Finely crumble the tofu into the bowl with the mushrooms and kale. Add the cilantro, scallions, soy sauce and sesame oil and mix well. Add salt to taste.
• Cover a baking sheet with plastic wrap and dust with cornstarch. Wet the edge of a dumpling wrapper with water. Place about 2 teaspoons of the tofu-mushroom filling in the center and fold to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal well. Place the sealed dumpling on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
• Place a medium saute pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Working in batches, add the dumplings in a single layer. Add about 1/4 cup water and cover. Cook until the water has evaporated, the bottoms of the dumplings are golden and the wrappers are fully cooked and somewhat translucent, about 5 minutes.
• For the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the ginger and sesame oil and stir to combine.
• Serve the dumplings with the dipping sauce.