Are you craving a comforting, delicious dessert that transports you to a cozy German kitchen? Look no further than these delightful plum dumplings! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet and subtly tart flavors. These homemade dumplings are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and the result is a truly rewarding culinary experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic German recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 12 dumplings.
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- For the Filling:
- 2 lbs ripe plums, pitted and halved or quartered (depending on size)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For Serving:
- Melted butter
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla sauce or whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Plum Filling
In a medium bowl, gently toss the pitted plums with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside to allow the plums to release some of their juices. This step enhances the flavor and prevents the filling from being too dry.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. The dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 3-4 inch cookie cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of the plum filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water, ensuring they don't stick together. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon and gently roll them in melted butter. You can also toss them with breadcrumbs for extra texture. Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by vanilla sauce or whipped cream, if desired. These delicious plum dumplings are best served warm.
Tips for the Best Plum Dumplings:
- Use ripe but firm plums: Overripe plums will become mushy and might break the dough.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
- Cook the dumplings gently: Avoid boiling them too vigorously, as this can cause them to burst.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste: If your plums are particularly tart, you may want to add a bit more sugar.
Variations:
- Apple Dumplings: Substitute apples for plums, using a similar preparation method.
- Berry Dumplings: Use a mix of your favorite berries instead of plums.
- Spiced Dumplings: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth.
Nutritional Information (per dumpling, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: 5-8g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Protein: 3-5g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade plum dumplings! This quick dinner dessert recipe is perfect for any occasion. They are also great for meal prepping for quick, healthy meals throughout the week. This simple and easy recipe is a testament to the beauty of homemade cooking and classic German food recipes.