Dumplings like in Poland and Czech Rep

With a bit of cream or cottage cheese and sugar, a delight.

Here are the steamed kinds, some with fruit juice dripping out, but no matter, delicious nonetheless.

Made boiled versions as well, which are chewy and best eaten warm.

Hey there ! It's been a while, but you know, September.

Here is a recipe that is pretty versatile for making sweet and savory dumplings ! Dumplings are a comfort food for those who grew up with them. Here I've made the Polish/Czech Republic kind, but I will also make a savory version the next time around, with a Filipino recipe. Same dough base though. Say that several times before you go on. 😂

Here is what you need for the dough :

1 packet of yeast 80 g
230 ml or 1-1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons of sugar
300 g flour (About 3 cups)
A pinch of salt
3 tablespoons of butter or shortening

Filling :

Choice of fresh fruits (I used blueberry, cherries, currants, plums)

Fill with one type of fruit or a mix

Warm the milk until it's room temperature, not too hot or it will kill the active ingredient in yeast. Allow the yeast to bubble or change the color of milk. Combine flour, sugar, yeast in milk and salt in a bowl and mix well. Cut in butter or shortening, then knead until smooth or until the dough doesn't stick to your hands (add more flour or a bit of water depending on consistency). Allow to sit and rise for about an hour in a covered bowl covered with a tea towel, in a warm corner.

Once it has doubled in size, divide the dough in half and cut into 6 equal parts (12 in all). Then flatten with a rolling pin and make round 4-inch circles. Fill with fresh fruit like blueberries or cherries. Pinch together to close avoiding making any holes. Turn over and allow to rest about 10 minutes while boiling water. Steam, or in the Polish tradition, boil the dumplings. I like them both ways, the Polish kinds are chewy and soft and the steamed kinds are fluffy.

The Czech kinds topped with poppy seeds, served with a cottage cheese or a crumbly cheese and sprinkled with sugar .

Enjoy !

Comments

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