Plum Dumplings with Ricotta

Oh, let me tell you about these Plum Dumplings with Ricotta—they are like little pockets of heaven wrapped in soft dough, with juicy, sweet plums inside and the creamy, smooth ricotta filling that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The combination of the sweet, tangy fruit and the rich, velvety cheese makes these dumplings feel both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them for dessert, as a sweet snack, or as a cozy treat on a chilly day, these dumplings are sure to steal the show. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or maybe even thirds!).

Why You’ll Love Plum Dumplings with Ricotta

These dumplings are a showstopper, and I’m not just talking about how pretty they look on your plate! Here’s why they’re going to be your new favorite recipe:

Versatile: Plum Dumplings with Ricotta are perfect for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re making them for a special family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just as a cozy weekend treat, they hit the spot every time.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have at home. It’s the perfect example of how everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Quick and Easy: Don’t let the word “dumpling” intimidate you—these come together faster than you think! With a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious dumplings ready to serve.
Customizable: You can tweak this recipe by swapping the ricotta for another cheese (like mascarpone) or adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. The plums are naturally sweet, but feel free to add a bit of sugar if you like things a little sweeter.
Crowd-Pleasing: These dumplings are perfect for impressing guests, and they’re great for all ages. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t fall in love with this dish!

Ingredients in Plum Dumplings with Ricotta

Let’s break down the ingredients that make these plum dumplings a true delight:

Plums: The star of the show! The plums provide that sweet, juicy burst of flavor inside each dumpling. You can use fresh plums, or if they’re out of season, opt for frozen.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, soft cheese is the key to the smooth filling. It pairs perfectly with the plums, giving the dumplings a rich, luscious texture.
Potatoes: These are the base of the dumpling dough, giving it a soft and pillowy texture. It’s what makes every bite feel so comforting.
Flour: This helps bind the dough together. You’ll need just the right amount for the perfect dumpling consistency.
Egg: It helps to bring everything together and gives the dough a slight richness.
Butter: For a touch of richness and flavor. It’s also used to sauté the dumplings to give them that golden, crispy finish.
Sugar: A little sugar is used to sweeten the plums and the dough, giving these dumplings that perfect balance of sweetness.
Cinnamon (optional): If you want to add a little extra warmth and spice, a sprinkle of cinnamon in the filling or dough will do the trick.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into making these plum dumplings!

Prepare the Potatoes:

Start by boiling the potatoes until soft. Once they’re cooked, mash them thoroughly and let them cool slightly. This will be the base of your dough, so make sure they’re smooth and lump-free.

Make the Dough:

In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s smooth and easy to work with. You want it soft and pliable but not too wet.

Prepare the Plums:

While the dough is coming together, pit and slice your plums in half. Remove the pit and set the plums aside. If your plums are large, you can slice them into quarters to make sure they fit well in the dumplings.

Make the Ricotta Filling:

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a tablespoon of sugar (or to taste). Stir in a pinch of cinnamon if you’re using it. This will be the creamy filling inside your dumplings.

Assemble the Dumplings:

Now for the fun part! Take a small amount of dough and flatten it into a disc in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of the ricotta filling in the center, and then wrap the dough around the plum, sealing the edges tightly so the filling stays inside. Repeat this step for all your dumplings.

Boil the Dumplings:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook them for about 8–10 minutes, or until they float to the top. That’s when you know they’re ready!

Sauté the Dumplings:

In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the dumplings and sauté them until they’re golden brown on all sides, giving them that irresistible crispy exterior.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Plum Dumplings with Ricotta warm, sprinkled with a little extra sugar or cinnamon, and maybe a drizzle of cream or a dollop of yogurt if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

How to Serve Plum Dumplings with Ricotta

These dumplings are perfectly delicious on their own, but if you’re looking for ways to elevate them, here are a few ideas:

• Sweet Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of whipped cream, crème fraîche, or Greek yogurt balances the sweetness of the dumplings beautifully.
• Crispy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle the dumplings with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers after sautéing them.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve them alongside some fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm dumplings.
• Tea or Coffee: These dumplings are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making for a cozy afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for a few hours. This makes assembling the dumplings even easier!
• Freezing Tips: These dumplings freeze beautifully. Simply boil and sauté them, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag, and reheat by sautéing directly from frozen.
• Make it Vegan: You can make this dish dairy-free by substituting the ricotta for a plant-based cheese, and using a flax egg for the dough.
• Perfect Texture: If your dough feels a little too sticky, add a touch more flour. If it’s too dry, you can add a splash of milk or water to get the right consistency.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
A1: Yes! You can try using apricots, cherries, or even peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if the fruit is less ripe or sweeter than plums.

Q2: Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make and assemble the dumplings a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a big batch!

Q3: Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
A3: Yes! Mascarpone or cream cheese would work beautifully as an alternative to ricotta. You could also add a little lemon zest for extra flavor.

Q4: How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
A4: The dumplings are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. Let them cook for another minute or two to ensure they’re fully cooked inside.

Q5: Can I make the dough gluten-free?
A5: Yes! You can use gluten-free flour to make the dough. You might need to experiment with the amount, but it should still work well.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan to restore their crispy exterior.

Q7: Can I use frozen plums?
A7: Yes, frozen plums work great! Just thaw them out before using them in the recipe.

Q8: Can I make these dumplings without sugar?
A8: Of course! You can leave out the sugar if you prefer a savory version, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Definitely! You can double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough pot to boil the dumplings in batches.

Q10: Can I make these dumplings in a savory version?
A10: Yes, you can swap out the sweet plums for savory fillings, like cheese, spinach, or mushrooms, for a completely different flavor profile!

Conclusion

These Plum Dumplings with Ricotta are the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of soft dough, creamy ricotta, and juicy plums will leave you craving more. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them all to yourself, these dumplings will definitely impress. So go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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