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.