Eating Dumplings on Start of Autumn: Step Aside, Fennel and Chive—3 "Lucky Fillings" Are the Freshest in August, Perfect for Satisfying Cravings and Building Autumn Energy

#TopCreatorIncentiveProgram#

On August 7th comes Start of Autumn, an ancient solar term in the Chinese calendar. As the old saying goes, "When Start of Autumn arrives, it’s time to ‘tie the autumn fat.’" This age-old wisdom reflects the body’s natural instinct to store energy, much like the earth quietly preparing for the coming winter. In northern China, people celebrate this seasonal transition with a plate of dumplings, a culinary ritual that marks the beginning of autumn.

However, "tying the autumn fat" no longer means indulging in greasy, heavy foods. Instead, it’s about balancing seasonal freshness, nourishment, and flavor. While fillings like fennel and chive are classic choices, they should now make way for three "lucky fillings" that are at their peak in August—each bursting with seasonal goodness and symbolizing prosperity for the golden autumn ahead.

1. Golden Abundance Filling: Pumpkin, Carrot, Wood Ear Mushroom, Dried Shrimp & Egg Dumplings

Ingredients & Method:

1. Pumpkin and carrot—shred finely, lightly salt to draw out moisture, then squeeze gently to retain their natural sweetness.

2. Wood ear mushrooms—soak, then finely chop. Lightly toast dried shrimp in oil until fragrant. Scramble eggs and break into small pieces.

3. Combine all ingredients, then season with sesame oil, vegetable oil, light soy sauce, salt, and a pinch of white pepper.

This filling is like sunshine wrapped in dough—golden pumpkin and carrot strands intertwined with dark wood ear mushrooms, pale-yellow dried shrimp, and fluffy scrambled eggs. The first bite delivers a sweet, savory, and slightly oceanic taste, with the mushrooms adding a pleasant crunch. Pumpkin, carrots, dried shrimp, and eggs are all nutrient-dense, making these dumplings a wholesome yet light way to "tie the autumn fat." Every bite feels like ingesting autumn’s golden harvest itself.

2. Hearty Prosperity Filling: Green Bean & Pork Dumplings

Ingredients & Method:

1. Fresh green beans—trim ends, blanch until tender, then finely chop and drain well.

2. Pork (70% lean, 30% fat)—gradually mix in ginger-scallion water while stirring vigorously in one direction until the meat becomes sticky and juicy.

3. Combine with green beans, then season with scallions, ginger, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, sesame oil, and vegetable oil.

This is the ultimate comfort food of northern China. The green beans, softened by blanching, absorb the rich pork juices, creating a hearty, succulent filling. Each bite releases a warm, savory broth that pairs perfectly with the beans’ mild sweetness. Green beans nourish the stomach, while pork provides high-quality protein, making this a satisfying and grounding choice—much like the contentment of farmers gazing upon a bountiful autumn harvest.

3. Sweet & Smooth Fortune Filling: Chinese Cabbage, Razor Clam, Glass Noodles & Egg Dumplings

Ingredients & Method:

1. Fresh razor clams—blanch briefly, remove meat, and chop finely (reserve the broth for extra flavor).

2. Chinese cabbage—blanch, squeeze dry, and chop. Soak glass noodles, then cut into short strands. Scramble eggs and break into bits.

3. Mix all ingredients, then season with ginger, salt, light soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. For extra umami, use some of the clam broth in the filling.

This filling is like a poem from the sea in August—tender Chinese cabbage meets the briny sweetness of razor clams, while glass noodles soak up all the delicious juices, and eggs bind everything together harmoniously. Each bite is fresh, delicate, and layered, evoking the breeze of the ocean and the crispness of a vegetable garden. Razor clams nourish yin and moisten dryness, while Chinese cabbage is rich in vitamins, making this a light yet deeply satisfying autumn treat. The smooth, sweet flavor feels like a promise of good fortune in the coming season.

A Plate Full of Autumn Blessings

These three "lucky fillings" are like three blessings for autumn:

• Pumpkin & carrot filling—symbolizing golden wealth, health, and abundance.

• Green bean & pork filling—representing hearty prosperity and family fortune.

• Chinese cabbage & razor clam filling—bringing smooth-sailing luck and harmony.

Using the freshest seasonal ingredients, these dumplings blend the essence of land and sea, transforming the ancient tradition of "tying the autumn fat" into a modern, flavorful celebration.

So this Start of Autumn, let’s welcome the season with a bite of luck—because good fortune tastes even better when it’s delicious.

(Note: Expanded to meet the word count while maintaining natural flow and adding descriptive richness.)