Plum dumplings

Plum dumplings: a traditional delicacy, full of nostalgia and flavor

Plum dumplings are a wonderful dessert that combines the soft texture of the dough with the juicy sweetness of the plums, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. This dish is often associated with childhood memories, being lovingly prepared by grandparents or parents on cool autumn days. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious dumplings that can easily become the stars of the meal.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of potatoes
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of oil
- 350 g of flour
- 1 kg of plums that are not too hard (ideally well-ripened but not too soft)
- Cinnamon to taste
- 1 package of breadcrumbs
- Sugar to taste for filling the plums and breadcrumbs

Preparation:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Place them in a pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Boil over medium heat until soft, about 20-25 minutes. Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready.

2. Mashing the potatoes: Drain the water and mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork. Let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.

3. Preparing the dough: Add the eggs, sugar, salt, oil, and flour to the mashed potatoes. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything until you get a smooth dough. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Preparing the plums: Wash the plums and cut them in half, removing the pits. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, letting them sit for 30 minutes. This step will enhance the sweetness of the plums and add an aromatic flavor.

5. Forming the dumplings: Sprinkle a little flour on a work surface. Take a portion of dough, roll it out with your palms or a rolling pin until it becomes a thin sheet. Place half a plum in the center of the dough, then wrap the dough around the plum, forming a ball. Use flour on your hands to prevent sticking.

6. Boiling the dumplings: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once the water starts boiling, carefully add the dumplings. After they rise to the surface, let them boil for another 3 minutes to ensure they are well cooked.

7. Preparing the breadcrumbs: In a pan, add the breadcrumbs and sugar and sauté them together for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The breadcrumbs will become crispy and absorb the sweetness of the sugar.

8. Serving: Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon, drain them, and gently roll them in the sweetened breadcrumbs. Serve them warm, sprinkled with sugar and, for an extra treat, alongside a spoonful of sour cream.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the plums are ripe but not too soft to avoid them falling apart during boiling.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as fruit jams or even chocolate, to add a personal touch.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the breadcrumbs or in the plum filling.

Nutritional benefits:
Plum dumplings are a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, providing energy, while plums are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of plums? Yes, apples or sour cherries are excellent alternatives, but make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the chosen fruits.
- How can I store the dumplings? If there are leftover dumplings, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in hot water or in a pan.

Delicious combinations:
These plum dumplings pair perfectly with a cup of tea or fresh lemonade. You can also try serving them with vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert experience.

Making plum dumplings is not just a culinary activity, but also a way to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them at a festive meal or on an ordinary day, these delicious plum dumplings will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy your meal!