Plum Dumplings

Plum Dumplings – A Family Recipe Full of Memories

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Imagine yourself on a summer path, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze bringing sweet scents of ripe fruits. Plum dumplings are more than just a simple dessert; they are a journey back in time, to childhood meals where natural flavors blend with love and tradition. These dumplings are a perfect example of comfort food, bringing smiles and nostalgia with every bite.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g potatoes (choose starchy potatoes for a better dough)
- 1 egg (ideally at room temperature)
- 150 g flour (you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 knob of butter (approx. 30 g)
- Salt (a pinch)

For the filling:
- 15 ripe plums (medium size; make sure they are well-ripened to be sweet and juicy)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (this ingredient will add a warm and comforting flavor)

For finishing:
- 10 tablespoons breadcrumbs (you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a richer taste)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- 1 knob of butter (approx. 30 g, to give a rich flavor to the breadcrumbs)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
1. Wash the potatoes well, then boil them in their skins in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. The heat should be medium, and the potatoes should boil until a fork easily pierces them, but not so much that they fall apart.
2. Once done, let them cool slightly, then peel them.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough
1. Grate the potatoes finely and mix them with the butter and a pinch of salt. This step will add a rich flavor and pleasant texture to the dough.
2. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Then, add the egg and flour, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough.

Step 3: Filling the Plums
1. Wash the plums and dry them well. Using a knife, make a cut on one side of each plum and remove the pits.
2. Fill the plums with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, setting them aside for later use.

Step 4: Forming the Dumplings
1. In a pan, melt the butter and add the breadcrumbs, stirring until golden. Add the sugar and a pinch of cinnamon, then set aside.
2. Put a pot of salted water on the heat. When the water begins to boil, take a floured handful of dough and flatten it. Place a plum in the center and cover it with dough, carefully rounding it off.

Step 5: Boiling the Dumplings
1. When the water is boiling, add the dumplings, letting them cook over medium heat. The dumplings are ready when they rise to the surface, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
2. Remove them with a spatula and toss them in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 6: Serving
Serve the dumplings warm or cold, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon for a touch of elegance. They are wonderful alongside a vanilla sauce or a scoop of sweet cream.

Practical Tips
- If you want the dumplings to be sweeter, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the breadcrumb mixture.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add some ground nuts to the breadcrumbs.
- Be careful not to boil the dumplings too long, as they may fall apart.

Nutritional Benefits
These dumplings are rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy, and plums are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to healthy digestion. They are a perfect choice for a dessert that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also offers health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Of course! You can try peaches, apples, or cherries, adapting the filling according to the chosen fruit.

2. How can I store leftover dumplings?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat them by steaming or in the oven.

3. What drinks pair well with plum dumplings?
A fruit tea or a sweet white wine would perfectly complement the dessert's flavors.

A Personal Note
This recipe reminds me of the days spent in my mother's kitchen, where the aroma of ripe plums intertwined with childhood stories. I hope this plum dumpling recipe brings the same warmth and joy to your home that I felt. Enjoy!