Dumplings for Dinner

On the wooden table lay a mound of flour and the last of the fox meat from Phini’s recent hunt. These were the very last ingredients they possessed; apart from these, the kitchen was utterly bare.

Angela gazed at the flour and the meat, a sudden idea sparking in her mind.

“Let’s make dumplings tonight!”

Though Angela had never ventured beyond Kabi Village, she had heard tales of certain things. In the distant Eastern Continent, there was a food called ‘dumplings’. She had learned about this dish from a book her childhood friend, Gawain, had brought back.

Recalling that this dish required flour, she immediately began her preparations. In this region, flour was not typically used for bread, making this an unusual choice, but Angela was determined. But how were they made? She knew precisely, for she had made them with Gawain when he was still around. Since Phini would be returning soon, why not prepare them now?

With that thought, Angela hummed a little tune as she poured the flour into a bowl. She gradually added water, rotating the basin as she mixed. When the dough stiffened, she stopped adding water and began to knead it vigorously. Once the dough was rolled into a long, uniform strip, she separated it into small, even portions.

Just as Angela finished preparing the wrappers, a voice echoed from the main door.

“I’m back!”

Phini had returned, bringing the much-needed vegetables right on time.

“You’re back just in time!” Angela exclaimed, looking up in pleasant surprise as Phini stepped inside.

“Cafino’s house isn’t far, so of course I was quick. Where should I put these?” Phini shrugged, accepting the praise with a matter-of-fact air.

Angela pointed to a cleared spot on the table. Following the instruction, Phini set the produce down.

“Oh, Phini,” Angela called out as a sudden thought struck her.

“Hmm?”

“Come, let’s make dumplings together!”

“Dumplings?” Phini tilted her head, clearly having never heard of such a thing.

“They’re a kind of food! Just follow my lead, alright?” Angela didn’t want to waste time on a long explanation. She simply gestured for Phini to watch.

“Alright. What should I do?” Phini considered the request for a moment before nodding. She was idle, and the process seemed straightforward enough.

“Wait a moment.” Angela opened the bag Phini had brought, carefully selecting the ingredients. She picked out carrots, green onions, and celery, chopping them finely. Then, she minced the remaining fox meat. Once the meat was properly prepared, she mixed the chopped vegetables into the bowl until everything was thoroughly combined.

“That should be enough. Phini, watch me make one first.” Angela wiped her hands and signaled for Phini to pay attention.

“Okay.”

Angela happily picked up a piece of dough and flattened it with a rolling pin. After forming a thin, round wrapper, she scooped a spoonful of the meat filling into the center. With nimble fingers, she folded the edges inward, crimping them into delicate pleats.

“Just like this. Did you see?” Angela turned to Phini, blinking expectantly.

“Yes.” Phini replayed the process in her mind, confirming she had memorized the steps, and gave a firm nod.

“Then I’ll leave the rest to you!” Angela unceremoniously pushed a portion of the dough toward Phini.

Phini didn’t stand on ceremony. She found a spot to sit, began flattening the dough, and mimicked Angela’s movements. Together, they worked in silence.

For about half an hour, the two women busied themselves until they had formed approximately sixty dumplings.

“Are we done?” Phini asked, placing her final dumpling on the tray.

“Yes! Now, go wait outside while I cook!” Angela lifted her chin proudly.

“Alright, I’ll await your good news.”

Seeing that her help was no longer needed, Phini exited the kitchen and waited in the small courtyard. Angela immediately stoked the fire. She knew dumplings were best when boiled, so she filled a pot with water and let it come to a rolling boil. Adding a splash of oil to the water to prevent sticking, she gently lowered thirty of the dumplings into the pot. She covered the rest to save for the next meal.

While the dumplings boiled, Angela wasn’t idle. She took the red chilies and garlic Phini had gathered, minced them together, and added a splash of water, sugar, and salt to create a dipping sauce.

Just as she finished, a buzzing sound emanated from the pot. She rushed back to the stove.

“They must be done, right?” She watched as the dumplings surfaced, bobbing like little white clouds in the water.

Holding the scooped dumplings, Angela carried them out of the kitchen.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Stepping into the courtyard, she saw Phini sitting patiently at the table. Angela quickly walked over, setting down the steaming bowl.

“More or less. But as long as there’s something to eat, I have no complaints,” Phini replied, shrugging indifferently.

“This is the meat I roasted. Try it and see if it’s good.” Angela watched expectantly as Phini speared a dumpling.

Enticed by the aroma, Phini took a bite. The tender, savory juices overflowed, and she was instantly captivated by the complex flavor.

“Delicious!” Phini exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. She quickly devoured the rest of the piece.

“If it’s delicious, then eat more!” Angela was delighted to see her guest enjoy the meal. She sat down and joined Phini, devouring the dumplings with equal enthusiasm. It was fortunate that Gawain had often brought back wild game in the past; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so skilled at preparing such a feast.