What do dumplings look like around the world?- Miranda Brown

Summary

Archaeologists in Turfan, China, unearthed well-preserved dumplings from ancient tombs, hinting at a history of over 1,000 years. The origin of dumplings remains elusive, but they may have been spread by Turkic peoples, with 'manti' as a possible root word. Ancient Chinese records from over 1,700 years ago describe various dumpling preparations, with regional variations emerging over time. The Mongol and Ottoman Empires are believed to have further disseminated the dish, influencing European and Asian dumplings. The term 'dumplings' itself originated in 16th century England, referring to dough balls without filling, but the word has endured despite its imprecision.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Archaeologists discovered well-preserved crescent-shaped dumplings in ancient tombs in Turfan, China.
• 🌏 The origin of dumplings is uncertain, but they may have been spread by nomadic Turkic peoples in western China and Central Asia.
• 📚 The word 'manti' in Turkic languages is believed to be the root for the word 'dumpling' in various languages.
• 🍖 Ancient Turkic people likely filled their dumplings with meat, though the exact origin of this practice is unknown.
• 📖 The first written record of dumplings in China dates back more than 1,700 years to a poem by scholar Shu Xi.
• 🍲 Shu Xi's poem describes the preparation of 'lao wan', a type of dumpling filled with pork and mutton.
• 🌱 Dumplings diversified in China with the development of new cooking methods and fillings, including vegetarian options.
• 🌾 In regions where wheat was hard to cultivate, dumplings were made with alternative ingredients like rice, tapioca, and sweet potato.
• 🌍 Food historians suggest that Turkic tribes and the Mongol Empire may have spread dumplings to other parts of the world.
• 🥟 Dumplings evolved into various forms globally, such as Turkish manti, Russian pelmeni, Polish pierogi, and Ukrainian vareniki.
• 🏮 The term 'dumpling' in English, meaning 'little lumps', was first used in the 16th century to describe dough balls without filling.

Q & A

What was the significant discovery made by archaeologists in Turfan, China?

Archaeologists discovered well-preserved crescent-shaped dumplings in ancient tombs in Turfan, China.

Who is believed to have first spread the concept of dumplings around the ancient world?

Some scholars suspect that nomadic Turkic peoples living in western China and Central Asia were the first to spread dumplings.

What is the possible etymological connection between the word 'manti' and dumplings?

'Manti', meaning 'dumpling' or 'steamed bun' in many Turkic languages, is thought to be the root word for dumpling in several other languages.

What is the earliest written record of dumplings in China?

Dumplings first appear in the written record in China more than 1,700 years ago in a poem by scholar Shu Xi.

What were the early dumplings in China called and what were they filled with?

Early dumplings in China were called 'lao wan' and were filled with pork, mutton, and aromatics.

How did the practice of making dumplings evolve in China over time?

Over time, dumplings in China diversified with some communities opting for vegetarian fillings, developing new cooking methods, and using alternative ingredients like rice, tapioca, and sweet potato.

What role did the Turkic tribes play in the spread of dumplings to the west?

Turkic tribes spread and established the Ottoman Empire around 1300 CE, bringing wrapped morsels west with them, influencing the fillings and preparation methods in regions like Turkey.

How did the Mongol Empire contribute to the dissemination of dumplings?

The Mongol Empire might have introduced dumplings to parts of Eastern Europe and Korea, possibly through direct contact or via Turkic peoples they employed.

What is the origin of the English term 'dumplings' and how does it differ from the original concept?

The term 'dumplings' means 'little lumps' and was first used in 16th century England to describe dough balls dropped in liquid without filling, which is different from the original concept of filled dumplings.

How did Chinese dumplings evolve into Japanese 'gyoza'?

During the Second World War, when Japan occupied China, Chinese 'jiaozi' were brought to Japan and became known as 'gyoza', typically pan-fried.

What is the speculated connection between dumplings and Italian stuffed pasta?

Some historians believe that Arab conquerors might have brought dumplings to Sicily, influencing the development of Italian stuffed pasta, though this is still a topic of debate.

Outlines

00:00

🥟 Origins of Dumplings in Ancient China

This paragraph delves into the discovery of ancient dumplings in Turfan, China, and the debate surrounding their origin. It suggests that nomadic Turkic peoples may have been the first to spread dumplings, with 'manti' being a possible root word in various languages. The text also touches on the first written record of dumplings in China by scholar Shu Xi, who described various dumpling-related dishes and cooking methods. The paragraph highlights the evolution and diversification of dumplings in China over the centuries, including the development of vegetarian options and the use of alternative ingredients like rice and sweet potato due to the difficulty of cultivating wheat in certain regions.

🌐 Global Spread of Dumplings

This section discusses the global spread of dumplings, starting with the Turkic tribes who may have brought them westward, leading to the establishment of the Ottoman Empire and the adaptation of dumplings to local tastes, such as using lamb instead of pork due to Islamic dietary restrictions. The paragraph also explores the possible influence of the Mongol Empire on the spread of dumplings to Eastern Europe, resulting in variations like Russian pelmeni, Polish pierogi, and Ukrainian vareniki. Additionally, it mentions the introduction of dumplings to Korea and the subsequent adoption of regional ingredients like kimchi. The paragraph concludes with the English term 'dumplings' and its origins, as well as the Japanese adaptation of 'jiaozi' into 'gyoza'.

🍴 The Cultural Confluence of Dumplings

The final paragraph contemplates the various theories on the origins of dumpling-like dishes across different cultures. It suggests that while some historians believe Arab conquerors may have introduced dumplings to Sicily, leading to the Italian stuffed pasta varieties, the true origins remain uncertain. The paragraph acknowledges the possibility that the concept of encasing fillings in dough was independently discovered by culinary visionaries from different cultures. It concludes by celebrating the diversity and divine nature of dumplings and the historical web that has made them a beloved food worldwide. The video's production was supported by Marriott Hotels, which is highlighted for its role in fostering curiosity and travel.

Keywords

💡archaeologists

Archaeologists are scientists who study human history and culture through the excavation of artifacts and structures. In the context of the video, they are exploring ancient tombs in Turfan, China, and discovering well-preserved relics, such as crescent-shaped dumplings, which are significant to the history of food and cultural exchange.

💡dumplings

Dumplings are a type of food made from dough that is wrapped around a filling and then cooked. They are central to the video's theme, showcasing the historical and cultural significance of this food item. The script mentions their discovery in ancient tombs and their evolution across different cultures and regions.

💡Turkic peoples

The Turkic peoples are a collection of ethnic groups native to Central and East Asia, known for their nomadic lifestyle. The video suggests that they might have been instrumental in spreading the concept of dumplings across the ancient world, as the term 'manti' in Turkic languages is believed to be the root for the word 'dumpling' in several other languages.

💡manti

Manti refers to a type of dumpling or steamed bun in many Turkic languages. The video discusses its significance as the possible etymological root for the word 'dumpling' in various languages, indicating the cultural diffusion of this food item.

💡Shu Xi

Shu Xi was an ancient Chinese scholar whose writings provide one of the earliest records of dumplings. The video highlights his poem that describes a steamed wheat product called 'mantou' and the preparation of dough balls filled with meat, which are early forms of dumplings.

💡cooking methods

The video touches on various cooking methods for dumplings, such as steaming and pan-frying, which have been developed and adapted over time and across different cultures. These methods are integral to the diversity of dumplings and their appeal to different palates.

💡vegetarian dumplings

Vegetarian dumplings are a variation of the traditional meat-filled dumplings, made with plant-based ingredients. The script mentions that some communities opted for this healthier or religiously motivated alternative, demonstrating the adaptability of dumplings to different dietary preferences.

💡Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire, established around 1300 CE, is mentioned in the video as a significant historical entity that may have contributed to the spread of dumplings to the west. The empire's influence helped popularize manti, dumplings filled with ingredients like lamb, in regions that are now part of Turkey.

💡Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire is suggested in the video as another empire that may have helped disseminate the concept of dumplings, possibly introducing them to parts of Eastern Europe and Korea. This empire's control over vast territories facilitated the exchange of culinary practices and food items.

💡pelmeni, pierogi, and vareniki

These are types of dumplings or dumpling-like dishes from Russia, Poland, and Ukraine, respectively. The video theorizes that they may have originated from the spread of dumpling-making practices by the Mongol Empire or through direct influence from Turkic peoples.

💡mandu

Mandu is the Korean version of dumplings, which the video suggests may have been introduced by the Mongol Empire. The script notes that these dumplings are often filled with regional ingredients like kimchi, reflecting the local adaptation of a globally shared culinary concept.

💡gyoza

Gyoza are a type of Japanese dumpling that originated from Chinese 'jiaozi'. The video mentions that they were introduced to Japan during its occupation of China in World War II and are typically pan-fried, showcasing the cross-cultural culinary exchange and the regional variations of dumplings.

💡stuffed pasta

The video discusses the variety of dumpling-like stuffed pasta dishes found in different regions of Italy, suggesting a possible influence from Arab conquerors who reigned over Sicily. This highlights the global prevalence of the concept of encasing fillings in dough, even in non-dumpling forms.

Highlights

Archaeologists discovered well-preserved crescent-shaped dumplings in ancient tombs in Turfan, China.

The invention of dumplings remains a mystery, but they might have been spread by nomadic Turkic peoples.

The word 'manti' in Turkic languages is thought to be the root word for 'dumpling' in several other languages.

Ancient Turkic people likely stuffed their dumplings with meat, but the origins of this practice are unclear.

Dumplings first appear in written records in China over 1,700 years ago in a poem by scholar Shu Xi.

Shu Xi's poem describes a steamed wheat product called 'mantou' and kneaded dough balls filled with meat, called 'lao wan'.

Dumplings diversified in China over the next thousand years, with some communities opting for vegetarian fillings.

New cooking methods for dumplings were developed, and in regions where wheat was hard to cultivate, dumplings were made with rice, tapioca, and sweet potato.

The relationship between Chinese dumplings and those in other areas is complex, with Turkic tribes possibly spreading them to the Ottoman Empire.

In Turkey, dumplings called 'manti' are filled with lamb and served with garlic, yogurt, and melted butter, due to Islamic restrictions on pork.

The Mongol Empire may have introduced dumplings to Eastern Europe, leading to dishes like Russian pelmeni and Polish pierogi.

The Mongol Empire also controlled Korea, potentially introducing dumplings there, which are now known as 'mandu' with regional ingredients like kimchi.

The term 'dumplings' in English, meaning 'little lumps', was first used in the 16th century to describe dough balls dropped in liquid, initially without filling.

During the Second World War, Chinese 'jiaozi' were introduced to Japan as 'gyoza', typically pan-fried.

Italian dumpling-like stuffed pasta varieties may have been influenced by Arab conquerors during their reign over Sicily.

It's unlikely that all dumpling-esque dishes came from the same root tradition, suggesting independent culinary innovations.

The diverse and divine nature of dumplings is a testament to the tangled, mysterious historical web that has shaped their evolution.

This video was supported by Marriott Hotels, celebrating the curiosity that propels travel and exploration.

Transcripts

As archaeologists pored over ancient tombs in Turfan in western China,

they discovered some surprisingly well-preserved and familiar relics.

Though hardened from over 1,000 years,

there sat little crescent-shaped dumplings.

Exactly who invented dumplings remains a mystery.

But some scholars suspect they were first spread

around parts the ancient world by nomadic Turkic peoples

living in western China and Central Asia.

This is thought to be the case because “manti,”

meaning “dumpling” or “steamed bun” in many Turkic languages,

appears to be the root word for dumpling in several other languages.

Ancient Turkic people probably stuffed their dumplings with meat.

But it’s unclear when this practice began,

or whether they learned the art of dumpling-making from others.

However this happened, dumplings certainly gathered steam in ancient China.

That’s where they first appear in the written record:

more than 1,700 years ago,

in a mouthwatering rhapsody by scholar Shu Xi.

In his poem, Shu alludes to certain cooking methods coming from alien lands.

He describes a steamed wheat product as “mantou.”

And he reverentially chronicles the preparation of kneaded dough balls

called “lao wan.”

They’re packed with pork, mutton and aromatics,

dipped in black meat sauce, then quickly gobbled up,

leaving people downwind to drool and fantasy-feast.

Dumplings continued to take off and diversify in China

over the next thousand years.

Instead of the traditional meat filling,

some communities opted for vegetarian dumplings.

People developed new cooking methods.

And because wheat was harder to cultivate outside of northern China,

those in other regions began making dumplings

using rice, tapioca, and sweet potato.

The relationship between Chinese dumplings and those in other areas

is tricky to trace,

but food historians have made their best guesses based on available clues.

Turkic tribes spread and eventually established

the Ottoman Empire around 1300 CE,

bringing wrapped morsels west with them.

In what’s now Turkey, most people wouldn’t have stuffed dumplings with pork

due to Islamic restrictions.

Instead, manti would come to be filled with ingredients like lamb,

drizzled with garlic, yogurt, and melted butter,

then topped with herbs and spices.

Some scholars believe that the Mongol Empire also helped disseminate dumplings,

perhaps introducing them to parts of Eastern Europe.

These dumplings could have come by way of China

or directly from some of the Turkic peoples the Mongols hired

to run their empire.

One theory is that this gave rise to dumplings like Russian pelmeni,

and the larger pierogi and vareniki, eaten in Poland and Ukraine,

stuffed with things like potato, cabbage, cheese, and cherries.

The Mongol Empire also controlled Korea

and might have likewise introduced dumplings there,

where “mandu” may be eaten with regional ingredients like kimchi.

Later, after Chinese dumpling varieties were introduced to more countries,

English speakers began calling them dumplings.

The term means “little lumps”

and is thought to have been first used in 16th century England

to describe dough balls dropped in liquid.

Like knödel and matzo balls, they would’ve had no filling.

So, the word was actually confusingly imprecise,

but it stuck, nonetheless.

When Japan occupied China during the Second World War,

Chinese “jiaozi” were brought to Japan,

where they in turn became known as “gyoza” and were more typically pan-fried.

So what about the fact that every region in Italy has its own variety

of dumpling-like stuffed pasta?

Some historians think that Arab conquerors brought dumplings

when they reigned over Sicily between the 9th and 11th centuries.

But the jury's still out.

It’s unlikely that all dumpling-esque dishes came from the same root tradition.

In many cases, it may simply be that culinary visionaries

from different cultures shared a similar revelation:

that cooking fillings encased in dough would be delightful.

Either way, we can appreciate these plump pockets of perfection—

and the tangled, mysterious historical web

that’s made dumplings so diverse and divine.

This video was made possible with support from Marriott Hotels.

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