Hearty and Delicious Paprika Mandu Gratin: Perfect for a Solo Drink!
The Perfect Match of Frozen Mandu and Sweet Paprika! A Special Recipe for a Solo Drink Snack
This is a delightful dish where dumplings are stuffed into colorful bell peppers and baked in an oven or microwave. The combination of crisp bell peppers and savory, rich dumplings is exceptional. It’s easy to make and offers a wonderful flavor experience, making it an ideal snack for enjoying with a drink alone or even as a light meal replacement. We’ll show you how to make it using convenient frozen dumplings.
Essential Ingredients- 1 Bell Pepper (choose your favorite color, e.g., red, yellow)
- 6 Frozen Dumplings (Gulim-mandu style recommended)
- 1 Slice Cheddar Cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
While there are many types of dumplings, we’re using ‘Bukchon Gulim-mandu’ which are easy to mash and use as a filling. Approximately 3 dumplings per half bell pepper is a good ratio, so preparing 6 dumplings in total will generously fill one bell pepper.
Step 2
We’ve chosen two bell peppers for vibrant colors. First, wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Then, carefully slice each pepper in half. Next, using a small knife or a spoon, gently scrape out the seeds and the white inner pith to create a clean cavity. This preparation makes them perfect for stuffing. Remember, thorough washing before preparation is essential!
Step 3
To make the dumplings easier to mash for the filling, lightly microwave them for about 1 minute. This softens them, making the mashing process much smoother.
Step 4
Once the microwaved dumplings have cooled slightly, use a meat mallet, the back of a knife, or a rolling pin to gently mash them. It’s best to mash them coarsely rather than into a fine paste, so there’s a slight texture. This mashed dumpling mixture is perfect for filling the bell peppers.
Step 5
Fill the hollowed-out bell pepper halves with the mashed dumpling mixture, about two-thirds full. Then, generously pour about 2 tablespoons of cream sauce (or milk) over the filling in each half. If you don’t have cream sauce, regular milk or heavy cream can be used to add richness.
Step 6
Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the dumpling filling in each pepper half. The cheese will melt deliciously, binding the filling and the pepper together. Finally, for a touch of color and aroma, sprinkle some parsley flakes over the top.
Step 7
Now it’s time to cook! Place the stuffed bell peppers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 10 minutes. If you don’t have an oven, you can microwave them for about 5 minutes, or steam them in a steamer basket until the cheese is fully melted. Baking in the oven will give a slightly crispier exterior, while microwaving or steaming will result in a softer texture. Choose the cooking method that best suits your preference!
