Plum Dumplings – Traditional Romanian Dessert

Plum Dumplings – Traditional Romanian Dessert: Plum dumplings, or “gomboti cu prune” in certain Romanian regions, are a delicious Romanian dessert, perfect for any season, especially when plums are ripe and sweet. These dumplings are cherished for their simplicity and authentic taste. In the traditional recipe, dumplings are filled with fresh plums and served warm, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs with a hint of sugar.

Ingredients Needed for Plum Dumplings

To prepare this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500 g potatoes
• 150 g flour
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• 500 g plums (preferably small, sweet plums). We also recomand plum spread.
• 100 g breadcrumbs
• 50 g butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Cinnamon to taste

How to Make Plum Dumplings

• Prepare the Potatoes – Peel the potatoes and boil them until soft. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool a bit. Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher until they become a fine puree.
• Make the Dough – In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with the egg, salt, and flour. Knead the mixture gently until you get a smooth dough. The dough should be soft but firm enough not to stick to your hands. You can add more flour if needed for consistency.
• Prepare the Plums – Wash the plums and remove the pits, but keep the plums whole. If they are too large, you can cut the plums in half.
• Form the Dumplings – Take a small piece of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a plum in the center. Gather the edges of the dough around the plum and shape it into a round form, fully covering the plum. Repeat this process until you have used up all the dough and plums.
• Boil the Dumplings – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the dumplings. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes until they rise to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain.
• Prepare the Breadcrumbs – In a skillet, melt the butter and add the breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown. Add sugar and cinnamon, and mix well.
• Assemble the Dumplings – Roll each dumpling in the breadcrumb mixture and place them on a platter. Plum dumplings are delicious when served warm but can also be enjoyed cold.

 

The recipe for plum dumplings is very popular in Transylvania, where it has a long-standing tradition. In this region, the dessert is also known as “gomboti” (especially in areas with Hungarian influence, such as Mureș, Covasna, Harghita, and Cluj counties).

Here, the preparation of plum dumplings has become a true tradition, with homemakers preserving the recipe faithfully and passing it down through generations. The dessert is commonly found in Transylvanian villages, where plums are plentiful, and dumplings are often served at special events and family celebrations.

 

Tips for Plum Dumplings:

• For a more intense flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of sugar and cinnamon inside the plums before covering them with dough.
• For a special aroma, add a dash of rum essence to the dough or the breadcrumbs.
• Plum dumplings are ideal served with a spoonful of sweet cream or vanilla ice cream.

 

Plum dumplings are a beloved Romanian dessert for all generations. This simple recipe is perfect for those who love fruit-based desserts and traditional flavors.