Švestkové knedlíky (Plum Dumplings)
Soft, fluffy yeast dumplings filled with sweet-tart plums, often served as a main course or a dessert. They are typically topped with melted butter, sugar, and sometimes poppy seeds or grated quark cheese.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 150 ml Warm milk
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 30 g Granulated sugar(plus more for serving)
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 400 g Fresh plums(halved and pitted, or use frozen plums)
- 50 g Butter(melted, for serving)
- 2 tbsp Poppy seeds(optional, for serving)
- 50 g Grated quark cheese(optional, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
💡 Tip: Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. - 2
In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
💡 Tip: Sifting the flour can result in lighter dumplings. - 3
Pour the activated yeast mixture and the egg yolk into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- 4
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
💡 Tip: A warm oven with the light on is a good spot for rising. - 5
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc.
💡 Tip: Work quickly to prevent the dough from sticking. - 6
Place one plum (or a few small ones) in the center of each dough disc. Carefully wrap the dough around the plum, pinching the seams to seal completely. Roll gently into a ball.
- 7
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
💡 Tip: Use a wide pot to give the dumplings space to expand. - 8
Boil the dumplings for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they float and are cooked through. They should be firm but tender.
💡 Tip: A skewer inserted into a dumpling should come out clean. - 9
Remove the dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately, drizzled with melted butter, sprinkled with sugar, and optionally with poppy seeds or grated quark cheese.
💡 Tip: Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use ripe but firm plums for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓If using frozen plums, do not thaw them completely before wrapping.
- ✓Ensure the dumplings are well-sealed to prevent the plum filling from escaping.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when boiling; cook in batches if needed.
🔄 Variations
- Use other fruits like apricots or cherries.
- For a dessert version, serve with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.