Zwetschgenknödel with Buttered Breadcrumbs
Zwetschgenknödel are traditional Austrian dumplings filled with plums and coated in buttery, toasted breadcrumbs. They are typically made with a potato-based dough and can be enjoyed as a sweet main course or a dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Potatoes(floury variety, cooked and peeled)
- 275 g All-purpose flour(plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tbsp Butter(for the dough)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 pinch Salt
- 12 medium Plums(pitted)
- 12 pieces Sugar cubes(for stuffing plums)
- 200 g Breadcrumbs
- 125 g Butter(for breadcrumbs)
- 100 g Sugar(for breadcrumbs)
- to taste Powdered sugar(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potato dough: Mash the cooked and peeled potatoes until smooth. Add flour, 1 tbsp butter, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt. Combine until a compact dough forms. If too sticky, add more flour. Let the dough rest for 10-20 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the plums: Wash the plums, remove the pits, and stuff each plum with a sugar cube.
- 3
Form the dumplings: Take a portion of dough, flatten it into a palm-sized circle, place a stuffed plum in the center, and carefully form the dough around it to create a smooth ball, ensuring the plum is completely enclosed.
- 4
Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the water. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- 5
Prepare the breadcrumb coating: While the dumplings are cooking, melt 125g butter in a pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and 100g sugar. Stir continuously until golden brown and toasted.
- 6
Finish and serve: Remove the cooked dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon. Toss them in the prepared buttered breadcrumbs until well coated. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the plum is completely sealed within the dough to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- ✓Don't overwork the potato dough, as this can make the dumplings tough.
- ✓The breadcrumb coating can be made ahead of time and reheated gently.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use other fruits like apricots or strawberries.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of rum to the plum stuffing.