Sour Cherry Dumplings

Sour Cherry Dumplings Recipe - Traditional Dish from Moldova

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

Introduction

Sour Cherry Dumplings are a delightful and traditional dessert that is perfect for summer. These sweet and tangy dumplings are a popular treat in many Eastern European countries, where sour cherries are abundant during the summer months. The combination of the juicy cherries and the tender dough creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Sour Cherry Dumplings have been enjoyed for generations in countries like Hungary, Romania, and Poland. This recipe has been passed down from grandmothers to mothers, and now to home cooks around the world. The sweet and sour flavor of the cherries combined with the soft dough has made this dish a beloved dessert for many families.

Ingredients

12 oz / 350 g of flour
1 egg
0.5 cup of water
salt
1 lb / 500 g of ripe sour cherries
0.75 cup of sugar
whipped cream

How to prepare

Sift the flour and create a well in the center. Place the egg and salt in the well.
Mix the egg with a small amount of flour, adding some water as well.
Knead the dough until it becomes stiff.
Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest for 10 – 15 minutes.
Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and cut it into 3-inch squares.
Wash the sour cherries, remove the pits, and place them in a strainer with some sugar.
Meanwhile, prepare the dough.
Before filling the dumplings, press down on the sour cherries to drain the liquid (mix this liquid with 3 tbsp of sugar and refrigerate it for use in refreshing drinks or jelly).
Fill the dumplings, boil them, drain them, and then rinse them with plenty of cold water.
Thoroughly drain the dumplings, arrange them on a serving plate, and sprinkle them with the remaining sugar.
Serve the dumplings cold with whipped cream.

Variations

You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar used to coat the dumplings for a warm and spicy flavor.
Instead of sour cherries, you can use other fruits like plums or apricots for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the sour cherries well before filling the dumplings to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

- Be gentle when folding the dough around the cherries to ensure the dumplings hold their shape during cooking.

- Serve the dumplings cold with a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing and creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Sour Cherry Dumplings can be served as a dessert after a light summer meal. They pair well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling and draining the dumplings is the key cooking technique for this recipe. Make sure to cook the dumplings until they are tender but still hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find sour cherries, you can use canned sour cherries or other tart fruits like rhubarb or cranberries.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and fill the dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook them. This can save you time when preparing a meal for guests.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Sour Cherry Dumplings on a decorative platter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Sour Cherry Dumplings pair well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of black coffee. The sweet and tangy flavors of the dumplings complement the rich and bold flavors of these beverages.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sour Cherry Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dumplings for a few seconds until warm or enjoy them cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sour Cherry Dumplings contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sour Cherry Dumplings contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sour Cherry Dumplings contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sour Cherry Dumplings contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sour Cherry Dumplings are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A due to the presence of sour cherries.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and egg. It may also contain dairy if whipped cream is used as a topping.

Summary

Sour Cherry Dumplings are a delicious dessert that is relatively low in fats and proteins but higher in carbohydrates. They are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Summary

Sour Cherry Dumplings are a classic dessert that is perfect for summer. The sweet and tangy flavor of the cherries combined with the tender dough creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy these delicious dumplings with a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Sour Cherry Dumplings. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother, passed down to me as a family heirloom. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon the faded handwriting of my great-grandmother, detailing the ingredients and instructions for this unique dessert.

Growing up, I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking. My mother and grandmother were both exceptional cooks, and I spent countless hours in the kitchen watching them prepare delicious meals from scratch. I learned early on that cooking was more than just a chore – it was a form of creative expression, a way to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So when I discovered the recipe for Sour Cherry Dumplings, I knew I had to try my hand at making it. The ingredients were simple enough – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and of course, sour cherries. I made a list and headed to the market to gather everything I needed.

Back in the kitchen, I set to work following the instructions laid out in the cookbook. I mixed the flour and sugar together, cut in the butter, and added the eggs to form a dough. I rolled out the dough and cut it into squares, placing a spoonful of sour cherries in the center of each square before folding them up and sealing them tightly.

As I waited for the dumplings to cook, the sweet aroma of cherries and butter wafted through the air, filling me with a sense of anticipation. When they were finally ready, I carefully removed them from the oven and plated them up, eager to taste the fruits of my labor.

The first bite was pure bliss. The tartness of the cherries paired perfectly with the sweet, buttery dough, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I savored each bite, relishing in the nostalgia of generations past and the joy of creating something delicious with my own two hands.

Over the years, I have made Sour Cherry Dumplings countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dessert to the next generation. And with each bite, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create moments of joy and connection that last a lifetime.

In a world that is constantly changing, the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones remains a constant source of comfort and joy for me. And as I continue to explore new recipes and techniques, I am grateful for the lessons passed down to me by my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother – lessons that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, feeling curious about a new recipe or technique, don't hesitate to dive in and give it a try. You never know what delicious surprises might await you on the other side of that oven door. Happy cooking!