These Plum Dumplings with Ricotta are a delightful sweet treat combining juicy plums wrapped in tender dough filled with creamy ricotta cheese. This traditional Central European dessert offers a perfect balance of tart fruit and smooth, rich filling, making it a comforting and indulgent dessert or snack. Serve them warm with a sprinkle of sugar or a dollop of cream for extra decadence.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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12 ripe plums, pitted
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons sugar (plus extra for topping)
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½ teaspoon salt
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4 tablespoons butter, melted
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Optional: cinnamon, powdered sugar, or cream for serving
Directions
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In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and egg until smooth. Set aside.
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In another bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add melted butter and ricotta mixture to form a dough. Knead gently until smooth and pliable.
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Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
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Cut the dough into squares large enough to wrap each plum.
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Place a plum in the center of each square and add a spoonful of ricotta filling inside the plum cavity.
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Fold the dough over the plum, sealing the edges tightly to form dumplings.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dumplings in batches for about 8-10 minutes or until they float to the surface.
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Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon if desired. Serve warm with cream or powdered sugar.
Nutrients (approximate per serving)
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Calories: 250-300 kcal
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Protein: 8-10 g
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Fat: 8-12 g
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Carbohydrates: 35-40 g
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Fiber: 2-3 g
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Sugar: 15-18 g
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Sodium: 150 mg
Cultural and Historical Significance
Plum dumplings, or “švestkové knedlíky” in Czech and Slovak cuisine, have long been a traditional dish in many Central and Eastern European countries, including Austria, Hungary, and Poland. They often appear during plum season when the fruit is at its peak freshness and sweetness. Historically, these dumplings were a way to preserve fruit and make use of local ingredients, blending fruit, cheese, and dough into a wholesome dish that could feed a family. Over time, they evolved from simple peasant food to beloved festive treats, highlighting the region’s love for combining fresh produce with dairy and pastry techniques.
The Role of Plums in the Dish
The plums in these dumplings are more than just a filling—they bring a vibrant burst of flavor that is both sweet and tart. This balance contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta and soft dough, preventing the dessert from becoming overly rich or one-dimensional. The choice of ripe but firm plums is crucial, as they soften during cooking but maintain their shape and juiciness. The natural juices from the plums seep into the dough during boiling, infusing the dumplings with fruity aroma and moistness. Plums also add a touch of natural acidity, which enhances the overall flavor and brightens the dish.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and Mild
Ricotta cheese is the ideal choice for the filling due to its smooth, creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It complements the tartness of the plums without overwhelming them, providing a subtle richness that elevates the dumplings. Ricotta is lighter than other cheeses, which keeps the filling delicate and not too dense, maintaining the overall lightness of the dish. Its moist texture also helps bind the filling inside the plums, ensuring each dumpling offers a burst of creaminess alongside the fruit. Nutritionally, ricotta adds protein and calcium, contributing to the dish’s satisfying and wholesome profile.
The Dough: Tender and Pillowy
The dough encasing the plums and ricotta is soft, pliable, and slightly elastic, designed to hold the filling securely while remaining tender after boiling. It strikes a balance between sturdiness and delicacy, ensuring the dumplings don’t fall apart during cooking but still provide a melt-in-the-mouth experience. The dough’s slight sweetness and buttery undertones complement the filling and fruit, creating a unified flavor experience. Making the dough just right—smooth, not sticky, and rolled to the right thickness—is essential for perfect dumplings that cook evenly and have an appealing texture.
Cooking Method: Boiling for Perfection
Boiling the dumplings in salted water is a traditional cooking method that ensures they remain moist and tender. As the dumplings cook, they float to the surface when done, signaling they’re ready to be removed. Boiling allows the dough to gently cook around the filling without drying out or becoming tough, while also letting the plum juices mingle with the dough. The hot water cooks the fruit inside while keeping it intact, allowing the contrasting textures of soft dough, juicy plum, and creamy ricotta to shine through. The gentle cooking method reflects the dish’s comforting and homey character.
Serving and Garnishing Traditions
Plum dumplings are often served warm, drizzled with melted butter, and sprinkled with sugar, sometimes mixed with cinnamon, to add sweetness and a hint of spice. The butter enriches the dumplings further and adds a shiny, appetizing finish. Powdered sugar or a dollop of cream, such as whipped cream or sour cream, enhances the indulgence and provides a cooling contrast to the warm dumplings. These garnishes not only add flavor but also elevate the visual appeal, making the dish inviting and perfect for sharing. In some regions, toasted breadcrumbs or nuts are sprinkled on top for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Profile and Benefits
This dessert offers a balanced nutritional profile for a sweet treat. Plums contribute fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sugars, providing health benefits alongside flavor. Ricotta cheese adds protein and calcium, supporting bone health and satiety. The dough provides carbohydrates for energy, while the butter and ricotta contribute fats that enhance flavor and mouthfeel. Although the dish contains sugar, much of its sweetness comes naturally from the ripe plums. When enjoyed in moderation, plum dumplings are a satisfying and nutrient-rich dessert or snack that combines indulgence with wholesomeness.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Seasonal Cooking
Plum dumplings are especially popular during late summer and early fall when plums are at their peak ripeness and flavor. This seasonality makes the dish a celebration of fresh, local produce, showcasing the natural sweetness and juiciness of in-season fruit. Using fresh plums ensures the dumplings have the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making the dish vibrant and fresh. The recipe’s reliance on simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques also makes it a go-to for seasonal home cooks who want to highlight fresh fruit in an elegant yet traditional way.
Adaptations and Variations
While this recipe focuses on plum and ricotta filling, it can be adapted in many creative ways. Other stone fruits such as apricots, cherries, or peaches can substitute plums, each bringing their unique sweetness and texture. The cheese filling can be altered by adding mascarpone or cream cheese for a different creaminess, or flavored with vanilla or citrus zest for extra dimension. For a vegan twist, plant-based ricotta alternatives and egg substitutes can be used to make the dough and filling. Additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom may be incorporated to add warmth and aroma, tailoring the dish to different palates and occasions.
Conclusion
Plum Dumplings with Ricotta combine the best of fresh fruit, creamy cheese, and tender dough into a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. Rooted in Central European tradition, this dish balances the tartness of juicy plums with the smooth richness of ricotta, all wrapped in a delicate, soft dough. Its straightforward preparation and satisfying textures make it perfect for sharing with family or serving as a special treat after a meal. Whether enjoyed warm with butter and sugar or dressed up with cream and spices, these dumplings offer a timeless and versatile dessert experience that celebrates seasonal flavors and the joy of homemade baking. For anyone looking to explore traditional desserts with a fresh twist, plum dumplings with ricotta are sure to delight the palate and warm the heart.