Plum Dumplings

Plum Dumplings – A Sweet and Fragrant Delight

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of plums with a soft and fluffy dough? Plum dumplings are a perfect choice for those looking to surprise their taste buds with a simple yet flavorful recipe. These delicious dumplings are not only a fantastic way to use seasonal fruits but also a recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 (approximately 8-10 dumplings)

Ingredients

- 500 g peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 25 g butter
- 150 g breadcrumbs
- 125 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 plums (or more, depending on the size of the dumplings)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the plums)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Flour (approximately 175 g or as needed)
- Water

Preparation Steps

1. Boiling the Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Place them in a pot with cold water, add a teaspoon of salt and the cinnamon stick. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they become soft. This step will infuse the potatoes with a subtle cinnamon flavor.

2. Preparing the Flavored Breadcrumbs
In a pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly until they turn golden brown. This step is essential for achieving a crispy and delicious texture. Once the breadcrumbs are toasted, add 125 g of sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl and let them cool.

3. Preparing the Plums
Wash the plums, remove the pits, and mix them with the two tablespoons of sugar. If you prefer sweeter desserts, feel free to add more sugar. The plums will become even more aromatic and juicy.

4. Potato Mixture
After the potatoes have boiled, drain them and rinse with cold water, then let them cool. Mash them until they become a smooth puree. Add a pinch of salt, the egg, the tablespoon of oil, and the flour gradually, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous, slightly sticky dough. You can adjust the amount of flour based on the moisture of the potatoes.

5. Shaping the Dumplings
Bring a pot of water to a boil. With floured hands, take a portion of the dough and flatten it. Place a plum in the center and fold the dough around it, forming a ball. Continue this process until you finish the dough.

6. Boiling and Serving
When the water has started to boil, add the dumplings, 2-3 at a time. They are ready when they rise to the surface. Use a spatula to remove them and roll them in the flavored breadcrumbs.

Practical Tips

- Adjusting Sweetness: If you like sweeter dumplings, you can add sugar to the potato mixture, but adjust the amount of breadcrumbs accordingly.
- Variations: Instead of plums, you can use apples or cherries, adjusting the sugar based on the chosen fruit. The dumplings can be served with sour cream or vanilla sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Storing Dumplings: If you have leftover dumplings, you can freeze them after boiling. Then, for a fresh taste, you can sauté them in butter before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

These plum dumplings are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while plums provide antioxidants and fiber. With a total of 300-350 calories per serving, this dessert can be included in your daily diet in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes can add a unique twist and sweetness to the dumplings.
- What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? You can use ground oats or ground nuts for a gluten-free option.
- Can I make the dumplings less sticky? Make sure you added enough flour, but don’t overdo it, as too much flour can make the dough dense.

Serving Suggestions

Plum dumplings are excellent served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey. A scoop of sour cream or a vanilla sauce on top will elevate the dessert to a gourmet experience. You can also pair these delicious dumplings with herbal tea or a sweet wine to highlight the fruity flavors of the plums.

Let’s enjoy every bite! Plum dumplings are perfect for a quiet afternoon or to impress friends at a gathering. I encourage you to experiment with this recipe and make it your own by adding a touch of creativity!