A Blog post by
Rodica Musgrave
This recipe has been a tradition in my family since childhood. After our Sunday dinners, when mashed potatoes were often on the menu, my mother would save the leftovers to make plum dumplings the next day. With several Italian plum trees in our yard, we always had a bounty of plums each season. These plum dumplings were a special treat, and as kids, we’d eagerly sprinkle them with sugar, transforming them into a sweet dessert. My mother would make these dumplings a few times during the plum season, marking the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year.
One of the distinctive features of this Romanian recipe is the use of fried cream of wheat to coat the dumplings after boiling. While it may seem unconventional, the cream of wheat becomes incredibly soft, almost like brown sugar, after frying with a small amount of water that evaporates during the process. Combined with the pillowy texture of the dumplings, you’ve got a delightful contrast of textures. And with a sprinkle of extra sugar, they turn into an irresistible dessert.
To make great plum dumplings, you only need a few key ingredients, each playing a role in the final flavor. The main ingredient is the plums—opt for tart and juicy varieties like Italian plums for the best taste. The dough is made from a simple mix of mashed potatoes and flour or gluten-free flour, while the coating consists of cream of wheat or crispy crushed corn flakes.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Start by mixing the mashed potatoes and flour in a large bowl until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky. Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into 3-inch squares.
Step 3: Fill the Dumplings Wash and pit your plums, cutting them into halves or quarters depending on their size. Place a piece of plum in the center of each dough square. Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the plum, pinching them together to form a ball. Make sure the plum is fully enclosed within the dough.
Step 4: Boil the Dumplings Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water, being sure not to overcrowd the pot. Let the dumplings cook for 2-3 minutes; they’re done when they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings and set them aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Coating In a frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-low heat. Add the cream of wheat and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a medium brown. Be careful not to burn it, as cream of wheat can brown quickly. Once the color has changed, add 1/2 cup of water and keep stirring for a couple of minutes longer until the water evaporates. The mixture should be light brown in color and soft like brown sugar. Repeat the same process with the crushed corn flakes for the gluten free option.
Step 6: Coat the Dumplings Once the dumplings are boiled, roll them in the prepared cream of wheat mixture until fully coated. For the gluten free plum dumplings, roll them in the crushed corn flakes. This gives the dumplings a satisfying crunch that complements the tender dough and juicy plum filling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Finally, sprinkle the warm dumplings with sugar and serve the plum dumplings warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, the softness of the dough, and the crisp coating on the gluten-free dumplings.
A Rich History
Plum dumplings have roots in various cultures, especially in Slavic regions of Europe. They have been enjoyed for centuries as a comforting dessert with each culture adding its own spin, whether it's different fruit fillings or variations in the dough.
Beyond just being delicious, plum dumplings are popular particularly during the harvest season or winter months. Today, they’ve become popular around the world, with chefs and home cooks trying out new flavors and ways to serve them, making plum dumplings a versatile dessert loved by many.
Traditional Dough Recipes & Variations
In the United States, traditional dumpling dough is typically made with a blend of all-purpose flour, butter, and eggs. Some variations introduce ricotta or cream cheese, adding a creaminess to the dumplings. German plum dumplings, on the other hand, are often made with a potato-based dough, which may include butter and egg mixed into the mashed potatoes before adding flour and salt. Breadcrumbs are also incorporated into the dough or used as a coating. The key difference between Romanian and German dumplings lies in the dough preparation: German dumplings often include butter and egg in the mashed potatoes, while Romanian versions may be simpler. The coating for these dumplings is created by toasting breadcrumbs in butter until golden brown, then rolling the dumplings in the mixture and finishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
To complement the plum filling, a variety of spices and flavorings are commonly used. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract are popular choices, adding warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile. Additionally, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of sweet sauce, such as vanilla-infused custard or tangy fruit compote, can elevate the flavors.
Beyond the core ingredients, some recipes incorporate boiled potatoes into the dough or ground nuts into the coating, which can lend a delightful crunch to the exterior of the dumplings.
One popular twist on the classic plum dumplings is the incorporation of different fruit fillings. Instead of using just plums, you can experiment with a variety of seasonal fruits, such as apricots, cherries, or even a mix of berries. The tangy, sweet flavors of these alternative fillings can provide a refreshing contrast to the simple dough.
Another way is to infuse the dough with a touch of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten up the overall taste. Alternatively, you could add a hint of vanilla or almond extract to the dough, creating a more aromatic and complex flavor profile.
One can also explore the world of savory plum dumplings. By substituting the sweet plum filling with a savory alternative, such as a mixture of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and herbs, you can transform the dumplings into a delightful appetizer or even a main course.
Presentation is another area where one can get creative with plum dumplings. Instead of serving them as individual dumplings, one could try arranging them in a baking dish and baking them until golden brown, creating a delectable plum dumpling "casserole" that can be sliced and served.
The simplest and most popular way to serve the plum dumplings in Romania is to sprinkle them with sugar, which adds a delightful sweetness that complements the tartness of the plums and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
A classic presentation to the traditional plum dumplings would be a dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar. This lets the natural flavors of the plums and the soft dough shine through, making for a comforting dessert.
For those who want a little extra treat, adding a dollop of rich vanilla sauce or scoop of vanilla ice cream can take the dumplings to the next level. The warm dumplings paired with the cool, creamy sauce create a delightful contrast.
One can also try drizzling the dumplings with fruit compote or a tangy berry coulis. The bright flavors of these sauces provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the dumplings and make for a visually appealing dessert.
Another option is to top the dumplings with toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. The crunchy texture and nutty flavor add an exciting element to each bite, contrasting nicely with the soft dumplings.
Plum dumplings can be a surprisingly nutritious option, making them a great choice for health-conscious individuals and families. The star ingredient, plums, brings plenty of health benefits to the table. These juicy fruits are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are especially rich in vitamin C, which helps support the immune system, and they provide a good amount of fiber to aid digestion and keep you feeling full.
Plus, because plums are naturally sweet, the overall sugar content in plum dumplings can be lower than in many other desserts. By balancing the sweetness of the plums with their tart flavor, you can enjoy a delicious treat without needing to add excessive sugars.