Plum dumplings and plum jam

Plum Dumplings with Plum Jam – A Journey Back in Time

Who doesn’t fondly remember the flavors of childhood, the moments spent in mom's kitchen, where every ingredient was a drop of love? Plum dumplings are a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations, bringing joy and nostalgia to our family tables. Today, I invite you to discover my favorite recipe for plum dumplings with plum jam, a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 6 small potatoes (medium-sized)
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of starch (for fluffiness)
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla (to taste)
- Orange peel powder (optional, for a touch of freshness)
- 1 egg and 2 egg yolks
- A jar of plum jam (homemade, if possible)
- 5 or 6 large plums (or more if you want them filled only with plums)
- 3/4 of a packet of breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (or any preferred oil, including butter)
- 7 tablespoons of brown sugar (for breadcrumbs)
- Vanilla (for breadcrumbs)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Flour for dusting the surface and shaping the dumplings

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by boiling the whole, unpeeled potatoes in a pot of water. Let them boil for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are well cooked. Check with a fork, and if it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready. Remove them from the water and let them cool.

2. Prepare the puree: Once cooled, peel the potatoes and turn them into a fine puree. You can use a food processor or a mixer. It is essential that the puree is smooth, without lumps, for a perfect dumpling texture.

3. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the potato puree with the egg, egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla, and orange peel powder. Mix well until you have a uniform mixture.

4. Add flour and starch: Gradually incorporate the flour, tablespoon by tablespoon, and then add the starch. It is important not to add too much flour, as the dumplings will become doughy. If the dough is sticky, let it rest for 30 minutes – this step will make the dough easier to handle.

5. Shape the dumplings: Dust a surface with flour and, using a spoon, take a portion of the dough. Shape the dough in the palm of your hand, add a teaspoon of plum jam and small pieces of plums (cut in halves or quarters, depending on size). Carefully close the dumpling, shaping it so that the filling does not escape.

6. Boil the dumplings: Put a large pot of water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the dumplings, one by one, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Boil them for 5-7 minutes, until they rise to the surface.

7. Prepare the breadcrumbs: In a pan, heat the coconut oil. Add the breadcrumbs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Brown the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. When the breadcrumbs become golden and crispy, they are ready.

8. Finalize the dish: Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and roll them in the browned breadcrumbs. Serve them warm, sprinkled with a little powdered sugar if desired.

Helpful tips:

- To make the dumplings more aromatic, add a little vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough.
- Experiment with fillings: you can also use other seasonal fruits, such as cherries or sour cherries.
- If you want to reduce calories, use coconut oil sparingly or replace it with a lower-calorie oil.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use ready-made mashed potatoes?
- It is not recommended, as the texture will not be the same. Fresh potatoes provide an ideal base for dumplings.

2. How can I tell if the dumplings are cooked?
- Dumplings are ready when they rise to the surface and stay there for a few minutes.

3. Can I make the dumplings a day in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare them in advance and keep them in the fridge. The next day, boil them before serving.

Nutritional benefits:

Plum dumplings are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing long-term energy. Plums are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to healthy digestion. Additionally, this recipe is a fantastic choice for quick and simple desserts, suitable for any occasion.

Possible variations:

- Try adding a bit of cocoa to the dough for a chocolate note.
- Replace the plum jam with raspberry or strawberry jam for an explosion of flavors.

Plum dumplings with plum jam are more than just a simple dessert; they are a vivid memory of childhood, a piece of love, and a serving of nostalgia. I encourage you to prepare them with your loved ones and share the magical moment of cooking together. Taste, savor, and enjoy every bite!