Plum dumplings

Plum Dumplings – A Fall Delicacy

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will fill your home with fantastic aromas, then plum dumplings are the perfect recipe. These treats are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to make the most of the last sweet and juicy plums of the season. Let’s embark on a journey together to prepare this traditional dessert, which is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 14 dumplings

A Brief History of Plum Dumplings

Plum dumplings have been appreciated over time in many cultures, based on simple and accessible ingredients. They were often prepared during harvest time when plums were abundant. Dumplings are not just a dessert but also a symbol of culinary tradition, bringing families and friends together at festive meals.

Ingredients

For the dumplings:
- 600 g potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes)
- 150 g flour
- 50 g starch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 egg + 2 yolks
- Salt (to taste)
- 7 plums (preferably damson plums) + brown sugar + cinnamon (for filling)
- Plum jam (for extra flavor)

For coating:
- 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying the breadcrumbs)

Preparing the Dumplings

1. Preparing the Plums: Start by washing the plums, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Place the plum halves in a bowl and sprinkle them with brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will enhance the sweetness of the plums and give them a wonderful flavor.

2. Boiling the Potatoes: Put the potatoes in salted water and boil them until soft. This process takes about 20 minutes. Once boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, peel and grate them. This is the secret to achieving a fine and soft dough.

3. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with salt, brown sugar, the egg, and the yolks. Mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture. Gradually add the flour and starch, mixing continuously. You will obtain a slightly sticky dough, perfect for shaping.

Shaping the Dumplings

4. Forming the Dumplings: On a floured surface, take spoonfuls of dough and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball and place half a plum in the center. Add a little plum jam for extra flavor. Seal the ball well, ensuring that the plum is completely covered by the dough.

Boiling the Dumplings

5. Boiling: In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, carefully add the dumplings in small batches to avoid overcrowding. The dumplings are ready when they float to the surface, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

Coating and Serving

6. Coating: In a pan, add a tablespoon of oil and fry the breadcrumbs until golden. Towards the end, add the brown sugar to caramelize the breadcrumbs. Remove the dumplings with a spatula and coat them in the fried breadcrumbs.

7. Serving: Plum dumplings can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. You can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar for a more appealing look. If desired, you can also add a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Plums: Choose ripe, sweet, and juicy plums for the best results. Damson plums are ideal due to their intense flavors.
- Flour and Starch: Do not add more flour than necessary, otherwise, the dough will become too dense and the dumplings will not be fluffy.
- Vegan Option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the egg with a mixture of water and flaxseeds (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a natural sweetener instead of sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like peaches or apples to create interesting variations of the recipe.

2. How long can I keep the dumplings?
Dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume them fresh to enjoy their fluffy texture.

3. What do they pair with?
These dumplings are delicious served with a vanilla sauce, ice cream, or even a cup of aromatic tea.

Nutritional Benefits

Plum dumplings are a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, and plums provide an important intake of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This makes them not only a delicious dessert but also a nutritious option, perfect for indulging in moments of treat.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Plum dumplings are a real delight that will remind you of childhood and family meals. Enjoy your meal!