Make South African Monkey Gland Mushroom Dumplings

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Monkey Gland Sauce, despite its unusual name, is a beloved South African condiment made from tomatoes, chutney, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic spices. It’s sweet, tangy, and savory — perfect for glazing meats or adding bold flavor to vegetarian dishes.

Monkey Gland Mushroom Dumplings Recipe

This vegetarian recipe celebrates the versatility of mushrooms combined with sweet, spicy Monkey Gland sauce and a hint of ginger. The dumplings are boiled until tender, creating a warm, comforting dish full of South African flair.

Across Southern Africa, fresh produce is preferred — and mushrooms are no exception. Monkey Gland Mushroom Dumplings showcase the freshness of white button mushrooms wrapped in a delicate egg dough and topped with flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 5 cups chopped white button mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 5 green onions, chopped
• ½ teaspoon chopped ginger
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

For the Dough

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

For the Sauce

• 1 bottle Monkey Gland Sauce

Directions

Mushroom Filling

1. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until golden.
2. Add mushrooms, green onions, and ginger. Cook 10 minutes until the mushrooms release liquid.
3. Season with salt and pepper, drain any excess liquid, and pulse in a food processor until finely chopped.

Egg Dough

1. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk, oil, and 1½ cups lukewarm water.
2. In a large bowl, make a well in the flour and gradually add the egg mixture, mixing lightly with your fingers.
3. Knead for 3 minutes until soft. Adjust with water or flour if necessary. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes.

Assembling the Dumplings

1. Flour your surface and rolling pin. Divide dough into 3 sections.
2. Roll each section thinly and cut circles using a pastry cutter.
3. Add ½ teaspoon filling in the center of each circle and pinch to seal.
4. Boil in salted water 2–4 minutes, or until the dumplings float. Drain.

Sauce

1. Pour Monkey Gland Sauce over the dumplings and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
2. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed greens.

Serving Suggestion

These Monkey Gland Mushroom Dumplings are best enjoyed hot, their silky wrappers coated in sweet, tangy sauce. Pair them with a crisp salad or serve as an appetizer for an unforgettable taste of South Africa’s creative cuisine.

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