🥢 Kaley Chinese Rice Paper Dumplings

It’s cold, it’s dark, and you’ve just come home after a long, exhausting day. The kind of day where your shoulders are tense, your fingers are freezing, and even the thought of cooking feels like too much.On nights like these, I crave something that nourishes both body and soul — warm, crisp, and full of flavor. That’s exactly what these Kaley Chinese Rice Paper Dumplings deliver. They’re comforting, easy to make, and packed with nutrients from winter greens like kale and brussels sprouts.

💚 Why Kale and Brussels Sprouts?

These two underrated veggies are true cold-weather heroes:

Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and powerful antioxidants that support detoxification and hormone balance. They help your body fight inflammation and keep your immune system strong — exactly what you need in the darker months.
Kale brings a boost of iron, calcium, and vitamin K, supporting energy, bone health, and glowing skin. It’s also loaded with chlorophyll and antioxidants, helping you feel refreshed and recharged.

Together, they create a hearty, nutrient-packed filling that feels both grounding and energizing.

🥬 What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

6–8 brussels sprouts, grated
1 medium carrot, grated
100g firm tofu, grated
2 handfuls of kale, roughly chopped
2 spring onions, sliced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1 lime, juiced (for that zesty kick!)
1 tsp of your favorite Chinese spice blend (containing: Star anise (八角, bājiǎo); Cinnamon (桂皮, guìpí); Cloves (丁香, dīngxiāng), Sichuan peppercorn (花椒, huājiāo) and Fennel seeds (小茴香, xiǎo huíxiāng))
1–2 tbsp soy sauce
Rice paper sheets (you’ll need 2 per dumpling)
Sesame oil or cooking oil of choice

🔪 Method

Prep the filling
Grab your grater — your weapon of choice!
Grate the brussels sprouts, carrot, and tofu. In a hot pan, heat a splash of sesame oil, then add spring onions and grated ginger. Let them sizzle until fragrant.
Cook the veggies
Add your grated veggies and toss well. Mix in the chopped kale and sprinkle over your spices. Season with soy sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness. Let everything cook together for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Assemble the dumplings
Soak a sheet of rice paper in hot water for a few seconds until it softens. Add a spoonful of your filling, fold, and then wrap again with a second sheet (this helps prevent tearing in the air fryer).
Air fry to perfection
Air fry the dumplings at 180°C (356°F) for about 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Serve and enjoy
Dip them in soy sauce or chili oil, and enjoy that satisfying crunch followed by a warm, nourishing center.

✨ The Perfect Winter Bite

These dumplings are everything I crave on a cold evening — crispy on the outside, savory and vibrant on the inside, with a little kick from the lime and Chinese spices. They’re light yet filling, healthy yet comforting.

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