Cabbage Blanket Dumplings

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or 1lb ground chicken

• 2 tbsp Zen Basil Seeds

• 1 cup water (to hydrate seeds)

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 3 green onions thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 small cabbage

Optional Add-Ins:

• Finely chopped carrots

• Mushrooms

• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, etc.)

Sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce

• 1/4 tsp chili pepper

• 1 tsp honey

• Dash of salt

• Chopped garlic

• Crushed ginger

Toppings

• Olive oil drizzle

• Chili sauce

• Honey

• Sesame seeds

• Fresh herbs

Instructions

1. Hydrate the Seeds
   In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp Zen Basil Seeds with 1 cup water. Let sit for 3–5 minutes until gel-like.

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef or chicken, hydrated basil seeds, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any optional add-ins. Mix well.

3. Form the Dumplings
   Roll into medium-sized balls.

4. Cook + Wrap

   • Heat a pan over medium heat with coconut oil.

   • Place meatballs in the pan, leaving space between each.

   • Wrap each meatball with cabbage leaves, gently pressing to form a “blanket.”

   • Let them sear for 2–3 minutes.

5. Steam Finish

   • Add 1/2 cup water to the pan.

   • Cover and cook on medium-high heat for ~20 minutes.

   • Check that water has evaporated and cabbage is soft and fully steamed.

6. Finish + Serve

   • Add olive oil, chili sauce, and a touch of honey.

   • Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh herbs on top.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish combines high-quality protein from the meat with the fiber and binding power of Zen Basil Seeds, creating dumplings that are both satisfying and gut-friendly.

Unlike traditional dumplings, the cabbage wrap keeps things light while adding texture and nutrients, no refined flour needed.