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Authentic Hungarian Plum Dumplings Recipe {Szilvás Gombóc}

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Authentic Hungarian Plum Dumplings

Homemade Hungarian Plum Dumplings: Szilvás Gombóc

The Hungarian plum dumplings recipe, named Szilvás Gombóc, is one of the most delicious Hungarian dumpling recipes you ever made at home. View the recipe below!

➡️ Transport your tastebuds to the heart of Hungary with these nostalgic, homey plum dumplings. Reminiscent of grandmother’s kitchen, this traditional recipe envelops sweet, jammy plums within tender, pillowy dough. Each syrup-glazed bite conjures up memories of cozy meals in a Hungarian countryside cottage.

➡️ These comforting dumplings come together with simple pantry ingredients such as flour and potatoes. Boiled potatoes and eggs give the dough a fluffy, cloud-like texture, perfect for cradling ripe, juicy plums. As the dumplings simmer, the plums release their vibrant purple juice, creating a beautiful syrup that glazes each tender morsel.

➡️ Part sweet treat, part stovetop comfort food, these old-world dumplings are a beloved staple of Hungarian cuisine even today. Their sweet-tart flavor and dreamy, soft texture make them an unforgettable taste of culture and nostalgia. Transport your kitchen to rural Hungary with every memorably delicious bite. From the kneading of dough to the first syrup-drenched sample, this cozy recipe promises a heartwarming food experience.

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What are Hungarian Plum Dumplings?

➡️ Before we dive into the recipe, what are Hungarian plum dumplings? Hungarian Plum Dumplings are a traditional Hungarian dessert made by wrapping sweet plums in a soft potato-based dough. They are then simmered until the dough is cooked through and the plums release their juices, creating a vibrant purple plum syrup that cloaks each tender dumpling. This nostalgic dessert is a staple of Hungarian home cooking that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.

Authentic Hungarian Plum Dumplings

Homemade Hungarian Plum Dumplings (Szilvás Gombóc)

This recipe for classic Hungarian Plum Dumplings results in tender dough pillows enclosing sweet-tart plums, simmered in a light syrup. The easy dough is based on flour and boiled potatoes. Ripe purple plums are wrapped snugly in the fluffy dough then dropped carefully into simmering water. As the dumplings cook, the plums release their vibrant juices, creating a beautiful plum-hued broth that glazes each bite. These nostalgic dumplings are soothing, homey and intensely satisfying, with the perfect balance of sweet fruit and soft, cloud-like dough. Each syrup-drenched bite is a taste of old-world Hungarian comfort and warmth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Hungarian
Servings 6 servings
Calories

Ingredients
  

  • 42/1.2 oz/kg potatoes
  • 6 tbsp semolina
  • 2 eggs
  • 18/500 oz/g all-purpose flour
  • about 20 middle-sized sweet plums, seedless
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil or another vegetable oil with a neutral flavor
  • 1.7/50 oz/g butter
  • 7/200 oz/g fine-grained breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon powder or to taste
  • some powdered vanilla sugar for garnish

Instructions
 

  • boil potatoes in salted water, then peel them off and crush them while are still lukewarm until you get a mash
  • spread potatoes into a layer, sprinkle them with semolina all over, then wait to cool to room temperature (VERY IMPORTANT!)
  • break eggs over potatoes, then mix ingredients thoroughly
  • gradually add flour to potatoes while kneading until you get a smooth, fluffy, and elastic dough that is no longer sticky
  • break a dough piece of about a spoon size, spread it, place a seedless plum in the middle, then tighten the dough into the palm and press it gently to get a sealed dumpling
  • continue in the same way with the rest of the ingredients
  • place water into a high pot, add some salt and oil, then wait until starts to boil
  • add dumplings into the water one by one and wait to rise to the surface (DO NOT MIX THEM!)
  • meanwhile, place butter into a skillet and wait to melt over a high temperature
  • add breadcrumbs into the skillet and fry them until golden while stirring continuously to avoid burning (1-2 minutes)
  • while frying, add sugar and cinnamon to breadcrumbs
  • after the dumplings rose to the surface, take them out from the water, drain them, and place them into the fried breadcrumbs prepared previously
  • cover dumplings with bread crumbs all over until you get a thin coating
  • place 2-3 dumplings on a plate and sprinkle them with powdered vanilla sugar to taste
  • serve Hungarian plum dumplings while still warm

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Use ripe, juicy plums – Pick plums at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor and for ample juices to create the syrup.
  2. Don’t overwork the dough – Knead just until combined to keep the dumpling dough tender. Over-mixing will make the dough tough.
  3. Seal dumplings tightly – Pinch and seal the dough very well around each plum so the fruit doesn’t leak out as they simmer.
  4. Simmer gently – Cook the dumplings at a gentle simmer to ensure they cook through without falling apart. Boiling will make the dough rupture.
  5. Serve warm – Enjoy the dumplings immediately after cooking while still warm and cloaked in sweet syrup. The dough texture declines once cooled.

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FAQs about Hungarian Plum Dumplings

What are Hungarian Plum Dumplings?

Hungarian Plum Dumplings, also known as Szilvás Gombóc, are a traditional Hungarian dessert made with sweet plums wrapped in a potato-based dough. The dumplings are boiled and then coated in buttery breadcrumbs, creating a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.

What are the key ingredients used in this recipe?

The key ingredients used in this recipe include plums (preferably Italian plums), potatoes, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar (for dusting). Some variations may also include ingredients like ground nuts or vanilla sugar for added flavor.

How are Hungarian Plum Dumplings prepared?

To prepare Hungarian Plum Dumplings, start by boiling and mashing the potatoes until smooth. Mix the mashed potatoes with flour to form a dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten them into discs. Place a pitted plum in the center of each disc and wrap the dough around the plum, forming a dumpling. Boil the dumplings until they float to the surface, then transfer them to a pan with melted butter and breadcrumbs. Cook until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Serve the dumplings sprinkled with powdered sugar and a touch of cinnamon.

Can I make Hungarian Plum Dumplings with a gluten-free dough?

Yes, it is possible to make Hungarian Plum Dumplings with a gluten-free dough. Instead of using all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Be sure to follow a gluten-free recipe or adapt a traditional recipe using gluten-free ingredients. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough may have a slightly different texture, so the dumplings may be a bit softer compared to those made with wheat flour.

Can I use other fruits instead of plums in Hungarian Plum Dumplings?

While plums are the traditional choice for Hungarian Plum Dumplings, you can experiment with other fruits if desired. Apricots or small peaches can be a good substitute, as they have a similar texture and work well with the dough. Just make sure to choose fruits that are not overly juicy to prevent the dumplings from becoming too soggy during cooking.

Are there any variations to the traditional Hungarian Plum Dumplings?

Yes, there are a few variations to the traditional Hungarian Plum Dumplings. Some recipes incorporate ground nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, into the dough or breadcrumb coating for added flavor and texture. Others may infuse the dough with flavors like lemon zest or vanilla extract. These variations can add a delightful twist to the classic recipe and allow for personalization based on individual preferences.

Can I freeze Hungarian Plum Dumplings?

Yes, Hungarian Plum Dumplings can be frozen for later enjoyment. To freeze, arrange the cooked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the dumplings to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw the dumplings in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in a steamer or by gently boiling them until heated through.

Can I serve Hungarian Plum Dumplings with a sauce or topping?

Hungarian Plum Dumplings are traditionally served with melted butter and a sprinkling of breadcrumbs. However, you can also serve them with a warm vanilla custard sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar mixed with ground cinnamon. These additions complement the flavors of the dumplings and add an extra touch of indulgence to the dessert.

Related Dumpling Recipes and Culinary Articles

➡️ Enjoy making Hungarian plum dumplings from scratch! For additional info, read more on plum dumplings and here. Also, I recommend other interesting articles related to this topic (see below.)

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