Plum Dumplings

Plum Dumplings Recipe from Romania: A Delicious and Easy-To-Make Dessert

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Plum dumplings are a delicious and traditional dish that combines the sweetness of plums with the savory taste of potato dough. These dumplings are a popular dessert in many Eastern European countries and are often enjoyed during the summer months when plums are in season.

History

Plum dumplings have been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries. The recipe is believed to have originated in Hungary and has since spread to other countries in the region. Plum dumplings are often served as a dessert or a sweet snack, and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

1 lb / 500 g potatoes
2 eggs
2 to 3 tbsp flour
salt
1 lb / 500 g plums
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp bread crumbs
0.5 cup confectioner's sugar

How to prepare

Boil well-washed potatoes in their jackets.
Once cooked, peel and crush them using a potato press or grinder.
Transfer the potato paste to a bowl and mix in the eggs, flour, one teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Shape the mixture into a roll about three fingers thick.
Cut the roll into pieces about one finger thick.
Flatten each piece with your hand and place a pitless plum on top.
Roll each piece into a ball using your floured hand.
Once all the dumplings are prepared, boil them in salted water.
When they rise to the surface, they are cooked.
Remove the dumplings using a slotted spoon and roll them in breadcrumbs that have been previously fried in butter, ensuring they are completely coated.
Arrange the dumplings on a serving plate and dust them with vanilla confectioner's sugar.
Serve the dumplings warm.

Variations

You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe plums for the best flavor in your dumplings.

- Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as this can make the dough too sticky.

- Dust your hands with flour when shaping the dumplings to prevent sticking.

- Fry the breadcrumbs in butter until they are golden brown for added flavor.

- Serve the dumplings warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Plum dumplings can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the dumplings in salted water ensures that they cook evenly and retain their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and shape the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the plum dumplings on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Plum dumplings pair well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Plum dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave or steam the dumplings until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of plum dumplings contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of plum dumplings contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of plum dumplings contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of plum dumplings contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Plum dumplings are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Plum dumplings contain eggs and gluten.

Summary

Plum dumplings are a delicious and satisfying dessert that is relatively low in calories and high in essential nutrients.

Summary

Plum dumplings are a delightful and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a sweet plum filling and a savory potato dough, these dumplings are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my own grandmother. As I sifted through the faded index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, I stumbled upon a recipe for Plum Dumplings that caught my eye.

I remember the feeling of excitement and curiosity that washed over me as I read the ingredients and instructions. Plum Dumplings were not a dish I had ever tried before, but the idea of soft, pillowy dumplings filled with sweet, juicy plums sounded absolutely divine.

I immediately set to work gathering the necessary ingredients – plums, sugar, flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. The process of making the dough was a labor of love, as I carefully mixed and kneaded the ingredients together until a smooth, elastic ball formed. I let the dough rest while I pitted and halved the plums, sprinkling them with sugar and a touch of cinnamon.

As I rolled out the dough and wrapped each plum half in a delicate blanket of dough, I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother and the joy she must have felt as she made this dish for her own family. I felt a deep connection to her in that moment, as if I could feel her presence guiding me through the recipe.

The dumplings boiled gently in a pot of water, their sweet aroma filling the kitchen with a warm, comforting fragrance. I watched with anticipation as they bobbed to the surface, their golden brown exteriors glistening with melted butter and sugar.

When I took my first bite of the Plum Dumplings, I was transported back to my childhood, to lazy summer days spent in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her cook with a sense of wonder and awe. The soft, tender dough melted in my mouth, giving way to the burst of sweet, tangy plum filling. It was a taste of nostalgia, a taste of home.

From that day on, Plum Dumplings became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made them for special occasions, for family gatherings, and for quiet nights alone when I craved a taste of the past. Each time I made them, I felt a connection to my grandmother and to the long line of women who had passed down this recipe through the generations.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I tried different types of plums, different spices, and even different fillings like apricots or peaches. But no matter how I changed the recipe, the essence of Plum Dumplings remained the same – a dish that spoke to my heart and soul, a dish that reminded me of the power of tradition and family.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the gift of my grandmother's legacy. Plum Dumplings will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of where I come from and where I'm going. And as I pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, I know that it will continue to weave its magic through the tapestry of our family history, connecting us across time and space with the simple pleasure of a homemade meal.