December 3: Start the Solstice Early With Dōngzhì Festival Dumplings

Welcome the winter solstice a little earlier by enjoying Chinese dumplings! Dōngzhì Festival is the Chinese winter solstice festival that falls on December 21 this year. It commemorates the longer daylight hours to come and involves family gatherings to keep positive energy flowing.

Dumplings are the traditional Dōngzhì Festival food in northern China. The Han Dynasty physician, Zhang Zhongjing, noticed that the poor suffered skin conditions due to exposure to cold. He made them dumplings to help keep them warm. Now, we can enjoy these quick appetizer recipes inspired by that story. Choose a vegetarian option or go with the tradition from the Han Dynasty-dumplings of lamb and vegetables. No matter what you choose, your family is likely to enjoy them. Have fun making some tonight!