Plum dumplings

Plum Dumplings – a delicacy that reminds us of the culinary traditions left by our ancestors. These dumplings, also known as plum dumplings, are a comforting dessert, perfect for cool days or to impress guests. The soft and sweet dough, filled with juicy plums, is a true delight for the taste buds. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this wonderful recipe, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6 (approximately 30 dumplings)

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg potatoes (it’s ideal to use starchy red potatoes)
- 350 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 30 small plums, preferably sweet and fragrant Bistrite plums
- 50 g sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon

For finishing:
- 150 g semolina
- 70 ml water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 50 g sugar (for rolling the dumplings)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and boiling them in salted water. It’s important to boil them with the skin on, so they retain moisture and flavor. Let them boil until very tender, about 20-25 minutes. Once done, drain the water and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
In the meantime, you can prepare the dumpling filling. Wash the plums and carefully cut them lengthwise, removing the pits. Be careful not to break them completely! Mix the sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a teaspoon to fill each plum with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. If desired, you can also add a walnut piece for an even richer flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
After the potatoes have cooled sufficiently, peel them and mash them well with a potato masher or fork until you get a fine puree. Let the puree cool completely, then add the eggs, salt, and flour. Mix everything with your hands until you get a soft dough that can be shaped.

Step 4: Shaping the dumplings
Divide the dough into equal portions, forming a roll that you will cut into slices about 1 cm thick. With each slice, form a small disc where you will place a filled plum. Wrap the plums in the dough, forming round balls. Make sure there are no gaps; otherwise, the filling will leak out during boiling. Dust each dumpling with a very small amount of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Boiling the dumplings
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the dumplings, being careful not to overcrowd them. Boil them in 2-3 batches until they rise to the surface, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once the dumplings have floated to the top, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a platter to drain.

Step 6: Finishing the dumplings
In a skillet, heat the oil and add the semolina. Fry the semolina, stirring constantly, until golden. Add 70 ml of water and mix well, then let it boil until the water evaporates. Mix the fried semolina with sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Roll the dumplings in this fried semolina mixture, making sure they are well coated.

Serving
Plum dumplings can be served warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar. They are delicious alongside sweet cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! You won't be able to stop eating!

Notes and useful tips
- Vegan version: You can replace the eggs with applesauce or banana puree for a vegan version of the dumplings.
- Freezing: Uncooked dumplings can be frozen. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, and once they are solid, you can transfer them to freezer bags.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use other fruits?* Yes, you can experiment with peaches or cherries.
- *What is the secret to perfect dough?* Make sure the potato puree is completely cold before adding the other ingredients.
- *How many calories do the dumplings contain?* A serving of plum dumplings contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and fats used.

Plum dumplings are not just a simple dessert but also a part of culinary history, representing a connection between generations. Each bite will take you on a journey of flavors and aromas that will warm your heart. I encourage you to try this recipe, personalize it, and create unforgettable memories around the table with your loved ones.