Mechanical dumplings: types and selection

Making dumplings is a rather tedious process. This is especially true when the dish is prepared for a large family or company. Craftsmen have come up with an original device for such purposes, which saves time and effort. Many housewives know perfectly well how it looks, but some do not really understand how to use it.

Ever since the days of the Soviet Union, some people remember that mechanical products for making dumplings at home were small boards in which even holes of the same size were cut out.

The thickness of the metal surface was no more than 2-3 cm. The shape of such a device was different. The edges of round, semicircular, hexagonal or square dumplings were slightly above the surface, making it easier to sculpt and fill the holes with dumplings. Modern mechanical devices for sculpting dumplings do not differ much from the Soviet versions. However, it is worth noting the fact that the range of such devices has expanded significantly.

Now on the market there are models not only made of metal - wooden dumplings and plastic products are also popular. However, wood products have a drawback: each time after sculpting, the wooden device will have to be washed. In addition, over time, the use of such options becomes unhygienic, because various bacteria accumulate in the wood, and the surface itself is deformed.

It is considered more practical to use models from food grade plastic. Such products are easy to wash, and the package includes a measuring spoon, which can be used to collect the same amount of minced meat.Metal models should only be selected from stainless steel. Aluminum products oxidize and release harmful compounds on contact with food.

Stainless steel does not corrode and is easy to use. On the market for kitchen accessories, one can also note a wide variety of shapes and sizes of dumplings.

Below is the technology of sculpting dumplings using a mechanical model. First of all, you need to roll out two layers of dough. Then you need to take a dumpling board for modeling and cover its surface with the first layer. After that, minced meat is laid out in the cells with a spoon.

The device is covered with a second rolled layer of dough, after which it is necessary to carefully draw it over the surface with a rolling pin. The dumplings are pressed tightly against the holes. The edges, squeezed with a rolling pin, are connected and the excess dough is trimmed. Using the homemade dumplings model, you can make about 40 dumplings at a time.

There are several types of mechanical devices for making dumplings. They will be discussed below.

• Automatic sculpting machine. This model can rightfully be called a food processor. The practicality and functionality of this equipment is at a high level. The product has two compartments. The first compartment is for the dough, the second for the filling. A certain mode is set on the device, and the machine "stamps" dumplings. The whole process is automated. With the help of this technique, it is possible not only to sculpt dumplings - thanks to several attachments that are included in the package, you can cook pasta, ravioli and homemade pasta.

• Electric dumpling maker... Unlike a press machine, the electric dumpling machine is adapted only for making dumplings. The device has one compartment in which the dough layer is placed. Then the filling is added and the sculpting process starts. The product twists the dough with minced meat and produces a dumplings in the form of small dumplings.

Hand tools are designed for making small quantities of dumplings. The manual model options are described below.

• Lattice for making dumplings... This device is a rectangular surface with honeycomb holes. The material of the products is mainly plastic or metal. Plastic options are lighter and more convenient to wash in the dishwasher. In order to make dumplings on a wire rack, you need to put a rolled out layer of dough on one part of the product, put the minced meat or other filling and press down the whole mass with the second part of the wire rack. The dumplings come out neatly through the holes at the bottom.

• Mold for sculpting dumplings. The working principle of the mold is exactly the same as that of the sculpting grid. The only difference is that the product is intended for the production of piecemeal dumplings. The surface of the device is covered with a layer of dough, minced meat is added. After that, the halves are connected by hand - a crescent-shaped shape is formed. Most of these models have various padding on the edges - this gives the product beautiful carved patterns.

• A home roller is similar in functionality to an ordinary meat grinder... The dough and filling are tucked into a part of the product. With the help of a manual mechanism in the form of a roller, the device releases the formed dumplings.

In order to understand which device should be chosen for sculpting homemade dumplings, you first need to understand the pros and cons of the product. The principle of operation of the device is very simple. Its use is much more convenient than using manual dumplings. During the cooking process, you can regulate the thickness of the rolled dough, and the number of dumplings in one go is about 25 pieces. The use of a mechanical device does not require a lot of effort and time. Today, manufacturers are also producing slightly improved models. These sculptors are equipped with an option for rolling the dough. You can also adjust the thickness of the dough sheet.

In addition, a special knife is included in the package, which cuts the dough into strips of the same width. The dough strips are laid out on the surface of the product, and the filling is placed. With the help of a scrolling handle, the sculpting process takes place. The disadvantage of mechanical models is their cost. Otherwise, we can consider that these are practical devices for home use. A mechanical device for sculpting dumplings is an irreplaceable assistant in the kitchen. Any such model will help to prepare a certain amount of dumplings in a few minutes.

For information on how to sculpt dumplings using the Risto dumpling machine, see the next video.