RECIPE: Nozawana Oyaki (Japanese Stuffed Dumpling)

Oyaki are chewy stuffed dumplings that are a rustic comfort food from Nagano Prefecture. The dough is made from wheat flour or a mixture of wheat and buckwheat flour which is stuffed with a variety of local, seasonal ingredients. 

Serves: 6-8 pieces

Ingredients:

• 150g all-purpose flour
• 100ml water
• 1 package Nozawana Pickles
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Knead the flour and water in a bowl until doughy. Let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. Knead more and/or add a bit of cooking oil if necessary to get a doughy texture.
2. Spread some of the dough into a thin layer and wrap it around a spoonful of the nozawana pickles. Set aside and and repeat to make 10 dumplings. 
3. Add a bit of cooking oil to a pan on medium heat. Add the dumplings from step 2 and cook for about 20 mins, turning over occasionally to brown both sides.