There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the aroma of freshly cooked dumplings wafting through the kitchen, especially when those dumplings are filled with juicy, sweet plums. As summer fades into fall, it’s the perfect time to embrace this delightful tradition from Austria—Plum Dumplings (or Zwetschkenknödel). This recipe brings a taste of comfort and nostalgia, allowing me to reminisce about gatherings where laughter blended with the scent of buttery breadcrumbs and ripe fruit.
With a pillowy potato dough that encases tender plums, these dumplings are light yet satisfying—ideal for a cozy dinner, or as a comforting dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking to explore homemade delights beyond the fast-food routine, this step-by-step guide will not only elevate your cooking but also deliver warm smiles at the dinner table. Get ready to indulge in a dish that brings a taste of Austria straight to your home!
Why love Plum Dumplings – Step by Step?
Heartwarming Aroma: The sweet scent of plums blended with buttery breadcrumbs fills the air as you cook, bringing nostalgia and warmth to your kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These dumplings serve as a delightful dessert or a satisfying meatless main course, making them versatile for lunch or dinner.
Simple Preparation: With an easy step-by-step process, even novice cooks can master this delightful dish!
Comfort Food Bliss: Each bite offers a tender, pillowy texture that hugs juicy plums, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress friends and family alike—everyone will love these delightful bites!
As you prepare these Plum Dumplings, take a moment to enjoy the journey of creating comfort food that warms hearts and brings loved ones together.
Plum Dumplings Ingredients
For the Dough
• Potatoes (500g/1.1 lb) – Use starchy potatoes for the best texture in your dumplings.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup/125g) – This is the essential binding agent in our soft dough.
• Wheat Semolina (3 tablespoons/37g) – Adds delightful texture; more flour works in a pinch.
• Fine Salt (1/4 teaspoon + pinch) – Enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.
• Butter (1 tablespoon, melted & 3 tablespoons unsalted) – Adds richness to the dough and for coating.
For the Plum Filling
• Plums (8-12) – Opt for small damson or Italian prune plums for the juiciest filling.
• Optional Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Sweeten the plums if you desire a touch more sweetness.
For the Coating
• Ground Hazelnuts (1/2 cup/50g) – Enhance the breadcrumb mixture’s flavor; substitute with other nuts if needed.
• Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Sweetens the buttery breadcrumb coating beautifully.
• Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, optional) – Adds a warm, inviting spice to the mix for extra flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional) – Elevates the presentation and adds sweetness to this dish.
Embark on the culinary adventure of making Plum Dumplings—a recipe bursting with rich flavors and comforting tradition!
How to Make Plum Dumplings
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Prepare the Dough: Start by boiling the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, then peel them. Use a ricer or grate the potatoes until smooth. Allow them to cool before mixing with salt, melted butter, flour, semolina, and egg until a soft dough forms.
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Prepare Plums: While the dough cools, wash and cut the plums in half. Remove the pits, and if you like a sweeter filling, fill each plum half with a sprinkle of sugar.
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Form Dumplings: Divide the dough into small portions. Flatten each piece, place a plum in the center, and wrap the dough around the fruit, sealing tightly without trapping any air.
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Cook Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop in the dumplings and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until they float to the surface.
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Prepare Breadcrumb Coating: In a skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, ground hazelnuts, sugar, and optional cinnamon; toast gently until golden brown.
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Coat the Dumplings: Once the dumplings are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water. Gently roll them in the toasted breadcrumb mixture to fully coat. Dust with powdered sugar before serving warm.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Plum Dumplings?
There’s nothing like enjoying a delightful meal paired with perfect side dishes to create a memorable dining experience.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of tangy sour cream balances the sweetness of the dumplings, adding a creamy texture that complements each bite.
- Fresh Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, such as berries or apples, enhances the fruit theme while adding an extra layer of sweetness and color to the plate.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream melting over warm dumplings creates a delicious contrast, making for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar not only elevates flavor but also adds a visually appealing touch that invites guests to dig in.
- Nutty Salad: A fresh salad with nuts and a light vinaigrette provides a crunchy texture and refreshing contrast to the tender dumplings.
- Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea offers soothing warmth and a fragrant finish that pairs wonderfully with the dumpling’s rich butter and fruit flavor.
- Chilled Prosecco: This bubbly drink complements the sweetness of the dumplings while adding a celebratory touch to any gathering or special occasion.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgence, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce brings a luxurious touch, transforming your dumplings into an irresistible treat.
With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your Plum Dumplings into a delightful feast that delights the senses and warms the heart!
Plum Dumplings – Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your dumplings—these variations will inspire you to tailor the recipe to your tastes!
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Fruity Twist: Substitute plums with ripe apricots or cherries for a refreshing change. Their tartness pairs beautifully with the dough!
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Curd Cheese Dough: Use curd cheese instead of potato for a different texture that’s just as delicious and offers a rich flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic depth that will elevate your dumplings.
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Nutty Flavor: Swap ground hazelnuts with crushed almonds or pecans to create a unique twist in the breadcrumb coating.
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Vegan Option: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia egg to keep these dumplings vegan-friendly without compromising taste.
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Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free flour and semolina to create a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
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Sweeten the Deal: Mix in a tablespoon of vanilla extract into the dough for a sweet hint that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Zesty Addition: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the breadcrumb mix for a bright zing that complements the sweetness of the plums.
Storage Tips for Plum Dumplings
- Room Temperature: Enjoy fresh dumplings for up to 2 hours after cooking. If left out longer, store them in the fridge to maintain flavor and safety.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or sauté pan with a bit of butter for best results.
- Freezer: Uncooked dumplings can be frozen; lay them out on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to your simmering time.
- Reheating: To reheat cooked dumplings, use the microwave or steam them for a few minutes until warmed through. Roll in fresh breadcrumbs again for a delightful crunch!
Expert Tips for Plum Dumplings
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a smooth, fluffy dough. Waxy potatoes can make the dough gummy.
- Don’t Over-Knead: Keep the dough slightly sticky but avoid over-kneading. This helps maintain the dumplings’ soft texture.
- Seal Tightly: When wrapping the dumplings, ensure they are sealed well without air pockets; this prevents them from breaking apart while cooking.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Carefully simmer the dumplings until they float. This indicates they are cooked through; overcooking can change their texture.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try using alternate fruits such as apricots or cherries for fun variations of these Plum Dumplings—just adjust the sweetness accordingly!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Plum Dumplings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and form the dumplings up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. To maintain their quality, ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent any drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked dumplings for up to 3 months; just remember to pre-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. When it’s time to serve, cook the dumplings directly from frozen, extending the cooking time a few minutes. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy fresh, comforting Plum Dumplings any night of the week!
Plum Dumplings Recipe FAQs
What kind of potatoes should I use for the dumplings?
Absolutely! It’s best to use starchy potatoes like Russets, as they provide the ideal texture for a fluffy dumpling. Waxy potatoes tend to create a gummy consistency, which we want to avoid.
How should I store leftover plum dumplings?
After enjoying your dumplings, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, gently reheat them in the microwave or a sauté pan with a little butter to revive their deliciousness!
Can I freeze uncooked dumplings, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings! Start by laying them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to pre-freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook, you can drop them directly into boiling water from frozen. Just remember to extend the cooking time by a few minutes until they float.
What if my dumpling dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky, it may need a little extra flour. Sprinkle a small amount more onto a clean surface and gently knead it in until the dough reaches a more manageable consistency. Remember not to over-knead, as this can lead to tough dumplings!
Are these plum dumplings suitable for vegetarians?
Very! These dumplings are entirely vegetarian, making them a wonderful option for meatless meals. Just ensure to check any toppings or sides you serve with them for hidden non-vegetarian ingredients.
Can I use other fruits for the filling instead of plums?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely experiment with other fruits like apricots or cherries—just be sure to adjust the sweetness if needed. Each variation brings a unique twist to this comforting dish!
Delicious Plum Dumplings – Step by Step to Comfort Food Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, peel, ricer/grate them smooth, then mix with salt, melted butter, flour, semolina until soft dough forms.
- Prepare Plums: Wash and cut the plums in half, remove pits, sprinkle sugar if desired.
- Form Dumplings: Divide dough, flatten pieces, place a plum, wrap and seal tightly.
- Cook Dumplings: Boil salted water, drop dumplings, simmer for 12-15 minutes until they float.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Coating: Melt remaining butter, add breadcrumbs, hazelnuts, sugar, and cinnamon; toast until golden brown.
- Coat the Dumplings: Use a slotted spoon to remove dumplings, roll in breadcrumb mixture, dust with powdered sugar before serving.