RECIPE MAGIC!

SPRING GARDEN DUMPLINGS

There's something delightfully subversive about pairing pillowy potato dumplings—those freezer-heroes of comfort—with the fresh crunch of spring vegetables. These dumplings practically beg for the counterpoint of tender-crisp sugar snap peas, peppery radishes and asparagus tips. The combo is the perfect canvas for our vibrant 3-minute dressing that when tossed and heated, struts its stuff. It's a culinary sleight-of-hand at its finest—minimum effort, maximum seasonal smugness. [And, yes sauté sliced radishes for a lovely mild, sweet flavour similar to turnips.]

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 package (16 oz) frozen potato dumplings
  • 3 Butter EVOO
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, whole
  • 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, ends trimmed and sliced diagonally
  • 1/4 cup fresh pea shoots or microgreens
  • Optional: 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill, chives, or mint)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot of boiling water, cook dumplings according to package directions until they float. Drain well. In a large skillet, place 1 tablespoon Butter EVOO on medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then add peas, green onions and radishes cooking for 1-2 minutes. Transfer vegetables to plate. In the same skillet add remaining EVOO. When shimmering, add dumplings and cook until golden and crisp on edges, about 3-4 minutes. Return cooked vegetables to the pan, toss together and warm through for a 1-2 minutes. Add dressing, gently toss and warm throughout for about 1 minute. See 3-minute dressing options below. 

3-MINUTE DRESSING - WARMED

While warming the dressing through the residual heat of the pan, it allows all the flavours to bloom and coat the ingredients beautifully. The warm dumplings and vegetables will absorb the dressing's flavours, creating a cohesive, aromatic dish.

3-MINUTE DRESSING COMBINATIONS:

Each makes approximately 3 tablespoons of dressing (2 Tbsp EVOO + 1 Tbsp balsamic):

  • Citrus Blend: Lemon EVOO + Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic
  • Herbal Garden: Tuscan Herb EVOO + Rose Pink Balsamic
  • Tropical Fusion: Orange EVOO + Mango White Balsamic
  • Asian Inspiration: Toasted Sesame Oil + Honey Ginger White Balsamic
  • Fresh Garden: Dill EVOO + Cucumber White Balsamic

Fun Fact: Our fresh EVOOs contain natural phospholipids and glycolipids that act as emulsifiers, while our thick barrel-aged balsamics provide stabilizing viscosity. Together, they create silky, stable dressings with a simple whisk—no additives needed. Superior ingredients do the work that mustard or egg would in ordinary recipes for pure flavour and beautiful presentation from pan to plate.