Plum dumplings

Plum Dumplings – A delicacy that will warm your soul

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert recipe that brings back memories of childhood and family meals, then plum dumplings are the perfect choice. This traditional dish, which combines the soft texture of potatoes with the juicy sweetness of plums, is a true delight for the taste buds. Whether you serve them with powdered sugar, sour cream, or vanilla sauce, plum dumplings are a versatile choice that will impress you and your loved ones.

The history of dumplings is closely tied to the culinary traditions of many cultures, and each family has its own version, with secrets passed down from generation to generation. In this guide, I will provide you with the necessary steps to prepare these delicious dumplings and some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Necessary ingredients:

- 350 g potatoes (preferably starchy potatoes)
- 100 g flour (you can use white or whole wheat flour, according to your preference)
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- 60 g sugar (with cinnamon and vanilla)
- 1 egg (fresh, ideally from free-range chickens)
- 12-13 plums (depending on their size, make sure they are ripe but firm)

Preparing the plum dumplings:

1. Preparing the potatoes:
- Start by washing the potatoes well, as you will use them with the skin. Boil them in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Let them boil for 20-25 minutes or until soft.
- After boiling, drain the water and let them cool slightly. Peel them and mash them in a large bowl using a potato masher. Sauté them with 20 ml of oil and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

2. Preparing the mixture:
- Once you have mashed the potatoes, let them cool completely. Add the egg and flour and mix well until you achieve a smooth mixture. This will be the base of the dumplings, so make sure there are no lumps.

3. Preparing the plums:
- Wash the plums and remove the pits. Instead, add a teaspoon of sugar to each plum to sweeten the inside. This step is essential for achieving a delicious and flavorful filling.

4. Forming the dumplings:
- Now comes the fun part! Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and place it in your palm. Add a little flour to your palm and spread the mixture until it reaches a thickness of about 1 cm. Place a plum in the center and carefully close the dumpling, forming a ball. Make sure the plum is well covered so it doesn’t open during boiling. Continue this process until you finish all the mixture.

5. Boiling the dumplings:
- In a large pot, add water with a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add 6-7 dumplings at a time. Let them boil for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface. This is a sign that they are ready! Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the water.

6. Finalizing the dish:
- Prepare the sautéed breadcrumbs. In a pan, add 30 ml of oil and toast the breadcrumbs until golden. Mix it with vanilla sugar to give it a sweet and aromatic taste. After the dumplings have drained, roll them in the sweet breadcrumbs and serve them warm.

My personal tip: You can add some crushed nuts to the breadcrumbs for an extra texture and flavor. Also, feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as apricots or peaches, to create different variations of the dumplings.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, providing you with energy. Plums are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy ingredient that supports digestion and the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes will give the dumplings a different note, but the taste will be just as delicious.

2. How can I store leftover dumplings?
- It is recommended to keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They can be reheated by steaming or in the oven.

3. What can I serve the dumplings with?
- Plum dumplings go wonderfully with sour cream, vanilla sauce, or a serving of Greek yogurt.

So now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Plum dumplings are more than just a simple dessert; they are an experience that brings the family together and creates unforgettable memories. Enjoy them with love and savor every bite!