Vegetable Potstickers / Guotie

Don't they look cute? just screaming pick me up! pick me up! and they are very quickly eaten too. And they are perfect for the Chinese New year celebrations!

Ingredients:

For the filling

2 cups finely julienned vegetables - carrots, green peppers and cabbage
2 spring onions finely chopped including greens
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ginger paste or 1 teaspoon grated ginger

2 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon soy sauce

Salt

Oil and water for cooking

For the wrapper

2 cups all purpose flour (maida)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon oil

Water to bind

Mix the salt and flour and while adding water gradually knead a smooth and semisoft dough. Add the oil and knead for 2 minutes to activate the gluten. Rest it while we make the filling.

Heat oil in a wok and add the chili flakes, ginger and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds on high heat and quickly add the vegetables. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes while adding soy sauce, salt and pepper. Check for salt and adjust. Keep aside. 

Roll out the dough into 4 inch rounds. You can roll out a large round and then with the help of a cutter or mould cut smaller rounds. Roll on the edges again to make them thinner than the center. Put a tablespoon of filling in the center. Keeping the back straight, make folds in the front and join to the back. It will make a purse like shape. (I learnt this watching it many times on TV. If you are not familiar with this shape, make a half moon and seal edges well).

Heat a flat pan (with a lid) and put half a teaspoon of oil. Put 4 potstickers in it on the flat side. Let them brown a little on this side. Then put 1/4 cup of water and cover the lid. When all the water has evaporated, the potstickers are ready. The wrapper will also become translucent. 

Serve hot with a side of sweet chili sauce.