Crispy Carrot Harissa Dumplings with Green Schug Pesto

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (50 mL) toasted PC unsalted raw California almonds, coarsely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves

• 2 cups (500 mL) fresh parsley, lightly packed

• 2 cups (500 mL) fresh cilantro, lightly packed

• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cardamom

• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dumpling ingredients:

• 1 tub PC Carrot Harissa Dip Blended with Flax Seeds

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup (50 mL) green onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup (50 mL) cilantro, finely chopped

• Cornstarch for dusting

• 42 square wonton wrappers (3 1/4 inch/8 cm)

• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp (15 mL) water

• 3 2/3 cups (900 mL) vegetable oil for frying

• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Schug Pesto: Pulse almonds and garlic in food processor until finely chopped. Add parsley, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, oil, lemon juice, cardamom, cumin, salt, and pepper. Process until herbs are finely chopped and mixture is smooth. Transfer to serving bowl; set aside.

2. Dumplings: Mix dip, ricotta, green onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Dust rimmed baking sheet lightly with cornstarch; set aside.

3. Place one wonton wrapper on work surface. Lightly brush two neighbouring sides of the wrapper with egg wash. Place 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) ricotta mixture in centre of wrapper. Fold wrapper diagonally, bringing egg wash sides over to dry sides to form a triangle. Gently press out air between wrapper around mound of filling. Holding wonton triangle with centre point towards you, brush top of left point with egg wash. Firmly press bottom of right point on top of left point. Place dumpling on prepared baking sheet; cover with kitchen towel to prevent drying.

4. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers, forming dumplings six at a time to speed assembly. Meanwhile, pour vegetable oil into large saucepan to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm). Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (180°C) on deep-fry thermometer. Fry dumplings seven at a time, turning frequently, 1 to 2 minutes per batch or until golden. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet to drain.

5. Transfer to serving platter and serve with schug.