Dumpling

A family of food preparations that are present in almost every culture, based on the combination of a sticky basic binder, usually a flour or starch but sometimes gelatin; other binders, such as egg; and possibly flavoring agents. Dumplings may not be flavored, as with most pasta, German spaetzle, or West African fufu, but absorb flavor from the liquid in which they cook.

Other dumplings, such as ravioli, pierogi, or won ton may have a relatively bland outer coating but a highly flavored filling.

Cooking methods vary widely. Boiling or simmering is most common, but they may be steamed (e.g., tamales, Chinese filled bread rolls such as char shu bow or gai bow), fried (e.g. pierogi), or baked (e.g., empanadas). Some preparations involve multiple cooking methods, such as steaming followed by frying.

They are usually served hot, but many, such as gefilte fish, may be presented cold.