Plum dumplings with ricotta are a simple, delicious dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of plums with a smooth, creamy cheese filling. This treat offers a perfect balance of soft dough and rich filling, making it a favorite for many who enjoy home-cooked sweets.
The key to making these dumplings is mixing a soft dough with a ricotta filling that adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to each bite. They can be enjoyed warm, making them a cozy dish for any season.
These dumplings are not just tasty but also easy to store. They can be kept in the fridge for a few days or frozen for longer, making them a convenient choice for busy cooks who want a quick, homemade dessert ready to go.
Essential Ingredients for Plum Dumplings with Ricotta
The success of plum dumplings depends on choosing ripe, flavorful plums, creamy ricotta cheese, and the right basic ingredients to create a soft, tender dough. Each part plays an important role in the final dish’s texture and taste.
Choosing the Best Plums
Fresh, ripe plums are key for juicy, sweet dumplings. Look for plums that give slightly when pressed. They should feel firm but not hard. Avoid overripe ones that are mushy or overly soft.
Red or purple plums work best because they have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. The skin stays intact well during cooking, helping the dumplings hold their shape.
Washing plums carefully and drying them prevents extra moisture from thinning the dough. Halving the plums and removing the pits before filling makes the process easier and neater.
Selecting Quality Ricotta
Ricotta is the creamy cheese that fills the plums inside. Using fresh, whole-milk ricotta gives a soft, rich texture and mild flavor.
Choose ricotta that is smooth and not grainy. Avoid very watery ricotta as it could make the filling too loose and affect the dough.
If fresh ricotta is not available, a similar soft cheese like skuta (used in Slovenia) or well-drained cottage cheese can work, but ricotta is the simplest and most common choice.
Additional Pantry Staples
The dough needs a few basic ingredients for structure and taste. These include:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is common, but some recipes use semolina for a firmer texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Butter: Melted butter gives softness and flavor.
- Milk: Used to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional, adds aroma and complements the ricotta.
Salt balances flavors and enhances sweetness in the fruit and filling. Using these staples in the right proportions creates a dough that wraps the plums snugly without falling apart when cooked.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Plum Dumplings with Ricotta
This guide walks through making the dough, preparing the plums, wrapping the dumplings, and cooking them well. Each step is important to get soft, tasty dumplings with juicy fruit inside.
Preparing the Ricotta Dough
Start by mixing flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese and eggs until smooth. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a dough. It should be soft but not sticky.
Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough gently for a few minutes. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting helps the dough become easier to roll and shape later.
Plum Preparation Techniques
Choose ripe but firm plums, about 12 medium ones. Wash each plum and cut it in half. Remove the pit carefully.
Some recipes suggest slightly dusting the plum halves with sugar or cinnamon before wrapping. This adds a little extra flavor and sweetness. Make sure the plums are dry to avoid soggy dough.
Assembling the Dumplings
Divide the dough into equal pieces, depending on how big the dumplings will be. Roll each piece into a small ball, then flatten it into a patty.
Place one plum half in the center of each dough patty. Wrap the dough all around the plum, pinching the edges tightly to seal it completely. Shape each into a smooth ball without holes.
Cooking Methods and Tips
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Once the dumplings float to the surface, let them cook for 2 to 3 more minutes for a complete cook. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and drain well.
Serve with melted butter drizzled on top and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra taste. Eating them warm helps enjoy the soft dough and juicy plum inside.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
Plum dumplings with ricotta are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Simple additions enhance their flavor and texture, while creative changes bring new taste experiences. Both traditional and modern ideas offer ways to make this dessert special.
Traditional Garnishes
A classic way to serve plum dumplings is warm, with melted butter drizzled on top. Sprinkling sugar mixed with cinnamon adds a familiar, cozy sweetness. Sometimes, powdered sugar is dusted over the dumplings for a light finish.
To add texture, toasted breadcrumbs can be scattered on the dumplings. This creates a gentle crunch that contrasts with the soft dough and creamy ricotta inside. Some also serve them with a side of sour cream for a slight tang.
Modern Flavor Twists
For a fresh take, adding lemon zest or a splash of orange juice to the dough or ricotta filling brightens the flavors. Others fold in a bit of vanilla or almond extract to deepen the taste.
Plum dumplings can also be paired with sauces like honey, chocolate, or berry coulis for a richer dessert. Garnishing with fresh mint or toasted nuts brings color and an extra layer of flavor. These subtle changes make the dish feel new while keeping its comforting roots.
This looks easy, i bet its not 😄