Plum dumplings like mom used to make

Plum Dumplings like Mom's – A Recipe with Delicious Memories

Sometimes, in search of comfort, we return to our dearest memories, to the aroma of dishes cooked with love by our loved ones. Plum dumplings, or plum balls, are a traditional dessert that takes us back to childhood, when mom awaited us with warm treats. This recipe will take you on a nostalgic journey, full of flavors and aromas, and will help you recreate the goodness of those days.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 2000 g white potatoes (ideally from Covasna, but any suitable variety for puree will work)
- 2 eggs
- 50 g flour
- 50 g semolina
- Iodized salt (to taste)
- Granulated sugar (for filling)
- Golden breadcrumbs (for serving)
- Sunflower oil (for frying)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- Ripe but firm plums

Preparation:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the white potatoes. Place them in a large pot, fill it with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil them for about 30 minutes over medium heat, uncovered. Test if they are cooked by piercing them with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are done.

2. Processing the potatoes: After boiling, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Peel them and mash them with a special potato press to achieve a fine and creamy puree.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the potato puree, eggs, flour, and semolina. Mix everything with your hands until you obtain a smooth and soft dough. If you feel the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour or semolina to reach the desired consistency. It’s important not to overdo the flour to avoid a too firm dough.

4. Preparing the plums: Pit the plums and sprinkle them with vanilla sugar and a little cinnamon, to taste. This combination will add a sweet-sour flavor that perfectly complements the dumplings.

5. Forming the dumplings: On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour. Take a portion of the dough and flatten it in your palm. Place half a plum in the center and close the dough around it, forming a ball. Make sure the plum is well covered with dough so it doesn’t open during boiling.

6. Boiling: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and carefully place the dumplings in the boiling water. Boil them for 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface. This is the sign that they are ready!

7. Preparing the breadcrumbs: In a pan, add a little sunflower oil and let it heat up. Add the breadcrumbs and 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla sugar, stirring constantly until the breadcrumbs become golden and crispy.

8. Assembly and serving: Using a slotted spoon, remove the dumplings from the water and let them drain. Then, carefully roll them in the golden breadcrumbs so that they are evenly coated. Place them on a platter and serve hot, alongside sour cream or jam, as preferred. Whether you choose sour cream or plum jam, each option has its charm.

Serving suggestions: Plum dumplings are delicious both warm and cold. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can serve them with vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips and variations: If you want to experiment, you can try adding other fruits, such as apricots or sour cherries, to vary the flavor. You can also use a mixture of whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

Nutritional benefits: This dessert is rich in carbohydrates due to the potatoes, but also contains fiber from the plums. Plums are known for their positive effects on digestion and are an excellent source of vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use new potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure they are tender enough to be mashed.

2. Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings, but make sure to freeze them on a tray so they don’t stick together. Boil them directly from the freezer, without thawing.

3. What else can I add to the filling?
You can add ground nuts, raisins, or even chocolate for a different taste.

Plum dumplings are a simple recipe, but full of emotion and flavor. Don’t forget to recall the beautiful moments spent with loved ones while preparing them. Enjoy every bite and savor the memories! Bon appétit!