Plum dumplings!

Plum Dumplings - A Childhood Delight

Welcome to the world of flavors and memories! Today, I present to you a classic recipe that takes us back to sunny autumn days and family moments. Plum dumplings are a simple yet flavorful dessert that brings joy to our tables. In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to prepare these delicious dumplings, offer you some useful tips, and tell you about possible variations of this recipe.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 150 ml water
- 250 g margarine
- 250 g semolina
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 vanilla essence
- 500 g plums (about 10-12 large plums)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (depending on sweetness)
- 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (to taste)
- 30 g butter (for frying breadcrumbs)
- 100 g breadcrumbs (approximately)

History and Inspiration

Plum dumplings have a long tradition in our cuisine, being a dessert lovingly prepared by grandparents and parents, often starting in autumn when plums are in season. These sweet delights are not only a symbol of comfort and family warmth but also a way to creatively and deliciously use seasonal fruits.

Step by Step

1. Boiling the water and melting the margarine
Start by placing the water in a medium pot and adding the margarine. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach a boiling point. Once the margarine has completely melted, prepare to add the semolina.

2. Adding the semolina
It is important to add the semolina gradually, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Stir constantly with a spatula or whisk until the dough becomes homogeneous and pulls away from the edges of the pot, forming a compact ball.

3. Cooling the dough
Once the dough is ready, remove it from the pot and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step is essential, as dough that is too hot could cook the eggs you will add.

4. Adding the eggs and flour
After the dough has cooled, add the 3 eggs, flour, and vanilla essence. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until you achieve a smooth, shiny, and slightly elastic dough.

5. Preparing the plums
Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. If you wish, you can cut them into quarters for smaller portions. Mix the sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl.

6. Forming the dumplings
Wet your hands with water to help shape the dough. Take a portion of the dough, flatten it in your palm, add half a plum, then sprinkle a little sugar and cinnamon mixture inside. Wrap the plum with the dough, forming a uniform ball. Repeat the process until you have used all the dough.

7. Boiling the dumplings
Boil water in a large pot. When the water is boiling, carefully add the dumplings without overcrowding them. Boil for 15 minutes or until they rise to the surface, indicating they are ready.

8. Preparing the breadcrumbs
In a frying pan, melt the butter and add the breadcrumbs. Fry over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden and crispy. Then, add the sugar and cinnamon, mixing well.

9. Finalizing the dish
Remove the dumplings from the water with a spatula and transfer them to a plate. While they are still warm, roll them in the prepared breadcrumbs, covering them evenly.

10. Serving
Plum dumplings are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a perfect temperature contrast. The sweet taste of the plums pairs wonderfully with the aroma of cinnamon.

Useful Tips

- Choosing plums: Opt for ripe plums, but not too soft, to achieve a pleasant texture. Tart plums will provide an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
- Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with a special gluten-free flour.
- Alternative fruits: Instead of plums, you can use peaches, apricots, or even cherries, adjusting the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the chosen fruit.

Nutritional Benefits

Plum dumplings are a good source of carbohydrates, and plums provide important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Additionally, plums have laxative properties and are excellent for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of fat instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use butter or coconut oil for a different flavor.

- Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, dumplings can be frozen after boiling. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer. Reheat them in steam before serving.

Ideal Pairings

These dumplings pair perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or a sweet wine. Vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce can turn them into an exceptional dessert.

I hope this recipe inspires you to make plum dumplings at home! I challenge you to remember the beautiful moments of childhood and enjoy every bite. Enjoy your meal!