Super Easy Mandu Gratin (Utilizing Frozen Dumplings and Leftover Rice)
Whip Up a Fancy Mandu Gratin at Home with Frozen Dumplings and Leftover Rice!
Missing restaurant-quality meals because dining out is tricky these days? You can create a delightful ‘Mandu Gratin’ in just 10 minutes using leftover rice and frozen dumplings! This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover dumplings from holidays or your freezer stash, making for a satisfying meal. Known as ‘Doria’ in Italy and ‘Gratin’ in France, this dish involves layering rice with generous toppings and baking it until golden and wonderfully warm. It’s a fantastic option for a solo meal or even as a treat for kids!
Main Ingredients
- 5 frozen dumplings (choose your favorite kind)
- 1/2 bowl of warm rice (leftover rice works well too)
- Generous amount of mozzarella cheese (pizza cheese or shredded mozzarella)
- 1-2 slices of cheddar cheese (adjust to your preference)
Sauce & Seasoning
- Generous amount of rose sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Pinch of black pepper (freshly ground pepper adds great flavor)
- Pinch of parsley flakes (for garnish and added aroma)
- Generous amount of rose sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Pinch of black pepper (freshly ground pepper adds great flavor)
- Pinch of parsley flakes (for garnish and added aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slightly rinse the frozen dumplings under running water or let them thaw at room temperature for a short while. Once thawed, use a spoon to mash the dumplings. It’s best to mash them into larger pieces so the filling and wrapper mix well. Be careful not to mash them too finely, as this can affect the texture.
Step 2
Heat a lightly oiled wok or pan. Add the mashed dumplings and the prepared rice. Stir-fry them together until the rice grains become slightly fluffy. Season with a pinch of black pepper at this stage to remove any raw smell and enhance the flavor.
Step 3
Once the rice and dumplings are well stir-fried, pour in a generous amount of rose sauce. Gently mix with a spatula, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the rice and dumplings. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. If it seems too thick, you can add a little milk or water.
Step 4
Transfer the stir-fried mixture into an oven-safe gratin dish or a small pan. Press down firmly to pack the rice mixture evenly. Flattening the surface will help the cheese melt uniformly and make for a better presentation.
Step 5
Next, evenly sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring there are no gaps. More cheese is always better! Then, tear the cheddar cheese slices into pieces and arrange them decoratively on top. Cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of rich flavor.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle some parsley flakes over the cheese for garnish. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. If you don’t have an oven, you can use an air fryer or cover a frying pan with a lid and cook over low heat until the cheese melts. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience!
