Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe
There is something truly magical about the way the juicy, sweet plums nestle inside tender, pillowy dough in this Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe. This dish brings together soft ricotta cheese, fragrant cinnamon, and a golden breadcrumb coating for a comforting Eastern European dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re new to making dumplings or a seasoned cook looking for a fresh twist, these dumplings offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will quickly become a beloved favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find but essential to achieving the perfect taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy ricotta providing softness to the cinnamon sugar adding a warm spice kick.
- Ricotta cheese: Use well-drained ricotta for a smooth, creamy dough without excess moisture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together and give it structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing the needed gluten for elasticity and hold.
- Ripe plums: Sweet and juicy, they create the luscious fruit center.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like warmth when combined with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a fragrant spice that complements the plums beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Used for toasting breadcrumbs, adding richness and a lovely golden color.
- Plain breadcrumbs: Coats the cooked dumplings, providing a subtle crunch and texture contrast.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting the finished dumplings, adding a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
How to Make Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the ricotta cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until nice and smooth. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough forms a soft, slightly sticky ball. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead gently just until smooth and pliable. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll and shape later.
Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings
Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create a sweet spiced filling. Now, flatten a small portion of dough in the palm of your hand to form a little disc. Place one whole ripe plum in the center and sprinkle it with a bit of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Wrap the dough around the plum, carefully pinching the edges closed to seal the filling inside. The goal is to form a smooth, round dumpling with no gaps or cracks. Repeat this process with each plum until you have a batch of enticing dough-wrapped treats ready for cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Lower the dumplings into the water carefully and simmer them for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface, a sure sign the dough is cooked through and the plums are soft and juicy inside. Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings carefully to avoid breaking their delicate dough shells.
Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating
As the dumplings cook, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the plain breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and release a lovely nutty aroma. This buttery breadcrumb coating adds a satisfying crunch and subtle richness that perfectly complements the softness of the dumplings.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked and drained, roll each one gently in the toasted breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Serve them warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar to add a pretty snow-kissed effect and a touch of extra sweetness. These dumplings are best enjoyed right away when their textures and flavors shine brightest.
How to Serve Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest alongside the powdered sugar dusting for a fresh, vibrant touch that cuts through the richness while enhancing the dumplings’ fruity notes.
Side Dishes
Serve these dumplings with a dollop of warm vanilla sauce, a scoop of creamy ice cream, or a spoonful of thick whipped cream. These accompaniments enrich the dessert experience, adding softness and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the dumplings on a rustic wooden board or colorful ceramic plate, scattering some extra cinnamon sugar and crumbs around for an inviting, casual look that’s sure to impress your guests. You can also skew the dumplings on decorative picks for a fun party appetizer version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the dough and breadcrumbs may soften a bit, but they will still taste delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked, assembled dumplings on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and keep frozen for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked dumplings, gently warm them in a skillet with a little butter until heated through and the breadcrumb coating crisps up again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Absolutely! This Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe works wonderfully with similar stone fruits like peaches or apricots. Just be sure to adjust sugar and spice levels to suit the fruit’s sweetness.
Is ricotta the only cheese option for the dough?
While ricotta is ideal for its creamy texture, you can also substitute farmer’s cheese or quark if you prefer a slightly tangier flavor or different consistency. Just ensure the cheese is well-drained.
What’s the best way to pit plums for this recipe?
The easiest method is to slice the plum around the circumference, twist the halves apart, and remove the pit with your fingers or a small spoon before wrapping in dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the dumplings for better pliability.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together in the water?
Stir gently right after lowering them into boiling water and during cooking to keep them separated and avoid sticking. Also, using a large pot with plenty of water helps.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of sinking your teeth into a warm, tender dumpling bursting with sweet plums and wrapped in soft ricotta dough. This Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal fruit and share a comforting, homemade treat with loved ones. Give this recipe a try and you just might find yourself making it over and over, savoring every delicious bite.
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Plum Dumplings with Ricotta Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 dumplings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these traditional Eastern European Plum Dumplings with Ricotta, featuring a soft ricotta-based dough enveloping sweet, spiced plums. Boiled to perfection and finished with toasted buttered breadcrumbs, these tender dumplings are a comforting summer dessert dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained if watery)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Filling
- 8 small ripe plums (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently until smooth and pliable, adding a little more flour if necessary. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. This mixture will be used to add sweetness and spice to the plums.
- Assemble the Dumplings: Flatten a small portion of dough in your palm, place a whole pitted plum in the center, and sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar mixture inside. Carefully wrap the dough around the plum, pinching to seal completely and forming a neat ball. Repeat this process with the remaining plums and dough portions.
- Boil the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently lower the dumplings into the boiling water. Simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dumplings rise to the surface and the dough is cooked through.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: While the dumplings cook, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the plain breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, until they become golden brown and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the cooked dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drain. Roll each dumpling in the toasted breadcrumbs to coat it thoroughly. Serve the dumplings warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For smaller dumplings, cut plums in half and use a spoonful of the cinnamon sugar mixture inside each half instead of whole plums.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with farmer’s cheese or quark for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Eastern European
