Beggar'S Purses
Crispy beggar's purses filled with savory sausage, fragrant herbs, and spices, perfect as an appetizer or party snack for those who enjoy flavorful, bite-sized treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 bunch green onions (green part only), cut into ribbons and blanched ⓘ
- 2 pounds Italian sausage, casings removed and meat crumbled ⓘ
- 1 inch fresh gingerroot, peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon five spice powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 small packages wonton skins ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, crumbled sausage, red pepper flakes, and five spice powder.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet and brown the minced gingerroot and chopped garlic until fragrant and golden.
- Add the sausage mixture to the skillet and sauté until cooked through.
- Drain the sausage mixture and set aside.
- Arrange a few wonton skins on a clean surface, keeping others covered with a damp towel.
- Place one wonton skin on the surface, spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture onto the center.
- Crimp the edges of the wonton skin and tie with a length of green onion to form a purse.
- Pierce the bottom of each wonton with a skewer.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pot until hot.
- Carefully drop the purses into the hot oil and fry until light and crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Keep warm while cooking remaining purses.
- Serve immediately with red hot chili, spicy mustard, honey, or soy sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Beggar's Purses, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the Italian sausage, seasoning it with additional spices. Make sure to keep the wonton skins covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while you work. For a unique twist, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or mint.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Beggar's Purses hot, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces such as spicy mustard or soy sauce. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more substantial dish, consider serving them alongside Cajun Fried Rice (Handed Down From Generation To Generation) for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beggar's Purses can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also re-fry them briefly in oil for the best texture, but be sure to monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beggar'S Purses contains roughly 131 calories, with 9g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (187% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Beggar's Purses ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the purses ahead of time. Store them in a single layer, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, fry them directly from the fridge for the best results. This makes them an excellent option for entertaining guests with minimal last-minute effort.
What can I use instead of wonton skins?
If you can't find wonton skins, you can use egg roll wrappers cut into smaller squares or even phyllo pastry for a flakier option. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the wrapper you choose, so adjust accordingly to achieve a crispy texture.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake Beggar's Purses for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the assembled purses on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).