Dumplings & Salad : Time & Money Saver

This is for that person who comes home late & dreads cooking because of the cleaning & waiting. Luckily, this quick fix is done in about 10 minutes or less. This is a much better alternative than going out to eat, it saves you time, money & gas (which all essentially adds up to saving $$).

DUMPLINGS & SPINACH CAESAR SALAD

Here's what you'll need:

• Bag of frozen dumplings (I used veggie ones from a Korean market, around $7/bag)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (my garlic Olive Oil was $5)
• 1/4 Cup of Water (You can also use sake[$5.50], chicken stock, this adds more flavor)
• Sautee Pan with a Lid!
• 10 Minutes to spare

For the Salad:

• A Fist full of Fresh Greens (I used Spinach) ($1/bunch or $3 for a box of baby spinach)
• 1 tbsp of Caesar Salad Dressing ($3)
• 2 tbsp of Crispy Onions ($0.50)
• 2 clicks of Fresh Cracked Pepper
• 1 pinch of Sea Salt

How To Make This:

1. Add Oil to pan over medium heat until it starts crackling.
2. Lift pan and tilt it to distribute oil as evenly as possible
3. Take about 7-12 of your frozen dumplings (try not to use more than 12 @ once)
4. Let them heat for a minute or two then add your liquid (for steaming & defrosting)
5. Cover your dumplings & wait about 5 minutes (or until liquid is gone)**
6. After the liquid is all gone, you lift up the lid & see your steamed dumplings. If you're fine with them being steamed, then stop here & serve.
7. But I like them browned with a crispy skin so, you just turn them over until browned, then SERVE!

**While you're waiting after Step 5..... Add the salt, pepper, dressing & greens into a bowl & toss it! After your salad is tossed (ha-ha), you add your crispy onions for that extra crunch. You don't want to over dress your salad because it'll be all you taste & you'll be missing out on what your greens really have to offer.

Now, I don't know about you but I think this tastes much better than microwaved food & it only takes a few extra minutes. I would also prefer this over spending $5+ for a fast food meal that will leave me bloated, unsatisfied & regretful after consuming. Every ingredient I've used can be used again & again until you've used it all up! Oh, not to mention everything was pretty cheap...even the Olive Oil!

This Sake was only $5.50 & the bottle is HUGE!

I love all the crispy components to this meal!

*Save money on produce & meats @ your local ethnic food store, they are always much cheaper than American stores.

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