Dim-Sum for my Small-Son

Between the ages of 12 and 22, I was vegetarian. Actually, I was vegan for 6 of those years- good heavens. That seems like an impossibility now as I do love a good steak, aherm. Being vegan though really forced me to think outside the box when it came to food, and I developed an unshakable love for Asian food.  Japanese is a special favourite of mine, particularly Nasu Misoyaki, a type of miso baked whole eggplant. And don't even get me started on natto, which I hoard in my freezer and feast on whenever I crave the salty, fermented flavour. Oh yes! 

Another vegetarian go-to recipe for me was dim sum. I love them. They're a little fiddly at first, but like cold rolls or sushi, once you have got the gist, you can pump them out almost as quickly as a Vegemite sandwich. 

I made these tonight for the kids. The filling is frorganic chook thighs sautéed with diced onion and a generous teaspoon of cumin (which is sooo good for you so long as you get a good fresh source..). I realise they're not vego on this occasion- to do veggie ones, I do any combo of mashed veggies, or just sautéed onion and peas with spices to season. 

I steamed them for a few minutes, just to soften and served them solo. They're too delicious to need any sauce. My son ate four and my not-quite-one-year-old ate three. Dinner win! PS don't you love the training-wheel chopsticks?! And the teeny tiny bamboo baskets! Mmm. I'm a sucker for themed meals..