Chinese dumplings, or jiaozi, (饺子） have a long history that dates back over 1,800 years. Legend has it that they were invented by a Chinese doctor named Zhang Zhongjing, who created the dumplings as a way to cure frostbitten ears during the winter. The dumplings became popular throughout China and are now a staple food during Chinese New Year celebrations. Traditional dumplings are made by filling a thin dough wrapper with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices, and then steaming or boiling them. Today, there are many different varieties of dumplings that are enjoyed around the world.