These delicious wontons are always a hit at parties and dinner parties alike. While I prefer to fry these to achieve a delectable, crispy wonton, they can also be baked in a 350 degree oven to reduce some of the fat. If baked, you can choose to brush the wontons lightly with oil or egg white before baking them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until the wontons are golden brown.
Makes 40-50 wontons
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 T. olive oil
- 2 cups finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 18 oz. crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 t. dried thyme
- 1 T. salt, plus more to taste
- 8 oz. dairy-free cream cheese, such as Tofutti
- 1 ¾ cups finely ground cashews
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- Pepper, to taste
- 40-50 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil, adding the onions and garlic once hot. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the mushrooms, thyme and salt, cooking until the mushrooms are very soft. Remove from heat.
2. In a food processor, combine the mushroom mixture with the dairy-free cream cheese and process until smooth. With the machine still running, add the ground cashews, processing until well combined. Gradually add the panko bread crumbs until the mixture just holds together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the wontons. Using a spoon, add about 2 tablespoons or filling to the center of each wonton wrapper. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with water. Fold one corner across diagonally to the opposing corner, and bring up the other two corners so that all corners meet in the center. Pinch together the corners, and then pinch along the openings to seal the wontons. Repeat until all of the filling is used, placing the wontons on the prepared sheet as you work.
4. Fry the wontons. Line a large platter or plate with paper towels and set aside. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the wontons to the oil, flipping once with a slotted spatula, until they are browned on both sides. Transfer wontons to the paper-towel lined plate and serve hot.
