Cherry Dumplings (Gomboti and Nudli)

Cherry dumplings: a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Cherry dumplings, also known as gomboti or nudli, are a traditional dessert that combines the sweetness of fruit with the fluffy texture of dough. They are ideal to be served as a dessert after a hearty meal or simply as a sweet snack at any time of the day. In this recipe, I will show you step by step how to prepare these delicious cherry dumplings, providing you with useful tips to achieve a perfect result every time.

Ingredients:
- 500 g potatoes (preferably sweet potatoes)
- 200 g flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg (optional, but recommended for a richer dough)
- 400 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 50 g butter (for serving)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes with their skins in a large pot of salted water. Make sure to boil them until they are completely tender, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready. Once boiled, let them cool a bit, then peel.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Mash the boiled potatoes in a large bowl using a potato masher or fork. It is important to ensure that there are no large chunks and that the puree is as smooth as possible. Add the flour, the egg (if you choose to use it), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous dough. The dough will be sticky, so don't worry, it's normal.

Step 3: Forming the dumplings
Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and take a portion of the dough. Gently shape it in your hands to form a disc. In the center, add a few cherries (about 3-4, depending on size) and a teaspoon of sugar. Wrap the dough around the fruit, forming a ball. Make sure there are no cracks in the dough; otherwise, the cherries will leak during boiling. Repeat this process until all dumplings are formed.

Step 4: Boiling the dumplings
Add water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the dumplings, ensuring they do not overlap. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. This is the sign that they are ready!

Step 5: Serving
Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon, allowing them to drain well. In a pan, melt the butter and, if desired, add a teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor. Gently toss the dumplings in the melted butter so they are evenly coated. Serve them warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar or alongside sour cream.

Possible variations:
To diversify the recipe, you can also try other fruits, such as plums, peaches, or even blueberries. Additionally, you can add extra flavors to the dough, such as grated lemon zest or vanilla.

These cherry dumplings are a fantastic choice for a quick and simple dessert, full of flavor. Whether you enjoy them on an ordinary day or prepare them for a special occasion, they will surely bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!