Chinese Food - Dim Sum

Many non-Chinese think that dim sum is just a steamed dumpling
with maybe a dipping sauce to accompany it. However, although
that is one type of dim sum, the term "dim sum" does not refer
to a single recipe but to a style of serving a vast selection of
different snack type items. Usually, these will be provided on a
trolley which trundles between tables for diners to make their
choices.

Dim sum originated in the Canton province of China and was
always served with tea. The custom soon spread to other
provinces and indeed, around the globe. Whether at home or in a
restaurant, dim sum can be enjoyed and because of the many
choices, there is always something for everyone. Dim sum is
particularly good for large goups of friends because part of the
fun is sharing and tasting a lot of different dishes but it
can't really be recommended for couples as the noise and bustle
isn't really conducive to a romantic dinner.

Dumplings are indeed popular and are generally made with flour
and steamed, resulting is a soft, slightly sticky ball.
Nonetheless, it is the filling which differentiates and here
there are a huge variety of options.

One type of dumpling is Gau or Gau Ji which consists of a quite
fragile rice flour paste stuffed with various vegetables, such
as picked cabbage or tofu. These dim sum are quite hard to make
because of the delicacy of the past but are full of flavour.

Prawns and shrimps of various types are often used to stuff dim
sum dumplings. These may be ground up and used alone or combined
with spices, nuts or flavoured oils. Crab roe with Chinese
mushrooms is a common filling for dumplings fried squid or other
seafood may also be found on the dim sum trolley.

Another variety of dumpling is Chiu-Chao and these are usually
filled with prawns or pork combined with mushrooms or peanuts,
garlic, spring onions and other flavourings.

Bau is a dumpling glazed with sugar, which turns it from white
to brown and which is referred to as a bun. These are stuffed
with roast pork and spring onions and are a real delicacy.

Dim sum is ideal for vegetarians as the trolley will often
offer rolls stuffed with shredded vegetables such as carrots,
cabbage or mushrooms.

So, we've touched on a few of the many varieties of dumplings,
buns and rolls but dim sum doesn't stop there.

Other possibilities include a rice porridge called Congee and
of course, desserts. Thousand layer cake (Chien Chang Go), made
from a sweetened dough with egg is one such and a steamed sponge
cake sweetened with molasses is another. For a lighter finish to
a meal, tofu drizzled with ginger syrup is a favourite.

We've hardly begun to explore the possibilities of dim sum
which, although usually steamed or deep fried, can consist of
almost anything snack-like in a small portion. This can include
sesame toasts, meatballs, spareribs or even steamed chickens
feet. There really is something for everyone so do give it a
try.

About The Author: Liz Canham As well as a love of Asian Food
and Cookery http://www.lizebiz.com/ct/17/, Liz seeks to help
newcomers to the world of internet marketing with tools, tips
and training from her http://Liz-e-Biz.com website
http://www.lizebiz.com/ct/20/

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