Apricot and Plum Dumplings

Apricot and Plum Dumplings Recipe from Slovenia - Ingredients and Steps

Region / culture: Slovenia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 15

Introduction

Apricot and Plum Dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of summer fruits with the comforting texture of dough. This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of apricots and plums, wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough and finished with a sprinkle of buttered bread crumbs. It's a dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any table, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

History

The tradition of fruit dumplings has roots in Central and Eastern European cuisine, where they are a beloved part of the culinary landscape. Countries like Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland have long histories of creating these sweet treats, each adding their unique twist to the recipe. The apricot and plum dumplings recipe, in particular, is a testament to the ingenuity of cooks who sought to encapsulate the essence of summer fruits in a bite-sized dessert.

Ingredients

2 cups of mashed potatoes
1 cup of flour
2 tbsp of butter
1 egg
1 tsp of salt
15 apricots or plums
15 small cubes of sugar
3 tbsp of bread crumbs

How to prepare

Mix the ingredients and knead until a smooth dough. Roll the dough to a thickness of 1 finger and cut it into 15 squares.
Wash, pit, and dry the apricots or plums. Place sugar in the center of each fruit. Place one fruit in each square of dough.
Fold the dough over the apricot or plum and roll it into a round ball. Cook in boiling water for about 15 minutes.
Do not crowd the dumplings. To prepare buttered bread crumbs, melt butter and lightly brown the crumbs.
When the dumplings are done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a serving dish. Top with buttered crumbs.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider using different fruits such as peaches or cherries. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough can introduce a warm, aromatic flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your dumplings are perfectly cooked, make sure the water is gently boiling before adding them. Avoid overcrowding the pot to allow each dumpling enough space to cook evenly. A well-floured surface is key to preventing the dough from sticking as you roll it out. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be cautious not to make it too dense.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dumplings warm, topped with the buttered bread crumbs. For an extra touch of sweetness, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can be added. These dumplings pair beautifully with a cup of tea or a light dessert wine.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling is the primary cooking technique for this recipe, ensuring the dumplings are cooked through without being overdone. Browning the bread crumbs in butter adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of fresh apricots or plums, canned or dried fruits (rehydrated in water) can be used as substitutes. For a healthier version, whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour, and coconut oil can be used instead of butter.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for the dumplings can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Assemble and cook the dumplings just before serving to ensure they are fresh and tender.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, arrange the dumplings on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves. A light dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fruit compote can elevate the dish to a restaurant-quality dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

Apricot and Plum Dumplings pair wonderfully with a semi-sweet white wine, such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer. The sweetness of the wine complements the fruit flavors in the dumplings, creating a harmonious balance.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a steamer or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the oven, as this can dry out the dough.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Apricot and Plum Dumplings contains approximately 250 calories. The calories are a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making this dessert a satisfying end to a meal without being overly indulgent.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Apricot and Plum Dumplings contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the flour and the natural sugars present in the fruits, providing a good source of energy.

Fats

This recipe contains a moderate amount of fat, with about 5 grams per serving, primarily from the butter used in the dough and to prepare the bread crumbs. Using unsalted butter can help control the sodium content.

Proteins

Apricot and Plum Dumplings offer a modest protein content, with about 4 grams per serving. The protein comes from the egg in the dough and is essential for building and repairing tissues.

Vitamins and minerals

These dumplings are a good source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the apricots and plums. They also provide some calcium and iron, primarily from the flour and egg, contributing to bone health and oxygen transport in the body.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from the flour) and eggs. It's also important to note the presence of dairy (butter) for those with lactose intolerance.

Summary

Overall, Apricot and Plum Dumplings are a balanced dessert option. They provide energy from carbohydrates, essential nutrients from the fruits, and a moderate amount of fats and proteins. Being mindful of portion sizes can help manage calorie intake.

Summary

Apricot and Plum Dumplings are a delightful dessert that showcases the flavors of summer fruits in a comforting, doughy package. With a rich history and versatile recipe, these dumplings can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as a sweet treat, they are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to any table.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Apricot and Plum Dumplings. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, and my mother had invited a new neighbor over for tea. The neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, was a sweet old lady with a twinkle in her eye and a basket full of ripe apricots and plums.

As we sat sipping our tea, Mrs. Johnson began to tell us about her travels to far-off lands and the delicious foods she had sampled along the way. She spoke of apricot and plum dumplings that she had tried in Hungary, and how they had been the most delicious thing she had ever tasted.

I was captivated by her stories and begged her to teach me how to make these dumplings. Mrs. Johnson smiled and agreed, saying that she would be delighted to pass on the recipe to me.

The next day, Mrs. Johnson came over to our house with a bag full of apricots and plums, along with all the other ingredients we would need to make the dumplings. She patiently guided me through the process, showing me how to pit and stuff the fruits, how to wrap them in a delicate dough, and how to cook them to perfection.

As the dumplings bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with their sweet aroma, Mrs. Johnson shared more stories with me. She told me about her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make the dumplings when she was a little girl, and how the recipe had been passed down through the generations in her family.

I listened intently, soaking up every detail and committing the recipe to memory. When the dumplings were finally ready, Mrs. Johnson and I sat down to enjoy them together. The first bite was pure magic – the tangy sweetness of the fruits, the pillowy softness of the dough, the hint of cinnamon and sugar.

From that day on, apricot and plum dumplings became a staple in our household. I made them for every special occasion – birthdays, holidays, Sunday dinners. Each time I made them, I would think of Mrs. Johnson and the wonderful afternoon we had spent together in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have continued to make apricot and plum dumplings, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Mrs. Johnson had started all those years ago.

And now, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of baking, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that Mrs. Johnson gave me that day. The gift of a delicious recipe, a cherished memory, and a connection to the past.

So whenever I make apricot and plum dumplings, I think of Mrs. Johnson and the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw that recipe. And I feel a sense of pride in carrying on a tradition that spans generations, connecting me to the women who came before me and the ones who will come after.