Salt plum dumplings

A delicacy from the deserts of Ardi-Kokufa, these dumplings are made from flour milled from Razor grass seeds, most often using Salt plums as the filling. They are usually steamed, but other techinques also exist where the dumplings are sun-fried in fats whenever water is not available. The different communities along the Godswollen River each have variations in their recipes. The Unyielding of Thunzen Waters ferment the fruit, while denizons of The Verdant Gorge incorporate Sparrowfrog caviar. Other variants include dumplings which include fried insects, stewed seaweeds from the Mephitic Delta or mushrooms grown within the tunnels of the Stonesky Drainage. A common peaceful overture between groups involves the exchange of dumplings. This eating of dumplings will often kick off trade or diplomatic talks, or negotiations to cease conflicts.

History

The dumplings were likely developed as a way to preserve and package food for easy transport by the largely nomadic lifestyles of the gangs and tribes of the desert.

Execution

Within communities such as Thunzen Waters, the preparation and sharing of the dumplings has become a proud tradition.

It becomes a highly communal activity, as members of the warlord gang work together to grind the seeds of the Razor grass into flour, mix with the waters produced by thunzen, and wrapped around fermented plums. The flavour of the dumpling dough is nutty and warm, with the filling of fermented plums being both astrignent and sweet.

Salt plum dumpling by Midjourney

Components and tools

The steaming itself is usually done powered by sunlight on open rock which warms huge pots of water, covered in the steam nets also made from woven razor grass leaves. The steam results in fluffly dumpling exterior. When water is not available, the dumplings will be fried on sun-heated rocks with fats collected from animals. This form results in a toasted flat bread experience.

Primary Related Location

Ardi-Kokufa

Important Locations