A Step-by-Step Guide to Sweet Indulgence

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There are so many variations of dumplings in this world, but one specific Czech dish stands out for its sweetness and versatility: fruit-filled dumplings. These delightful creations, known for their tender yeast dough embracing a variety of seasonal fruits, mark a departure from the ordinary, serving as a main rather than a dessert. This recipe guides you through the process of making these cherished dumplings, a favorite in Czech kitchens for their ability to bring the essence of each season to the table.

What Makes Czech Fruit Dumplings Special?

Crafted from a delicate yeast dough and cradling a heart of juicy surprise, Czech fruit dumplings (known locally as “ovocné knedlíky”) are a beloved staple. What sets them apart is their serving alongside crumbled farmer’s cheese, a sprinkle of ground poppy seeds, or a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, all crowned with icing sugar and a lavish drizzle of melted butter.

Where to Find the Best Fruit Dumplings in Prague?

For those wandering the historic streets of Prague, a visit to Café Savoy presents the perfect opportunity to delve into this culinary delight. It’s an experience that transcends mere dining, offering a taste of tradition in every bite. But there’s nothing like preparing them in your own kitchen, filling the house with the unmistakable aroma of sweetness. Let’s delve right into it!

Choosing the Perfect Fruit Filling

While blueberries are a classic choice, the flexibility of this dish allows for the use of other seasonal fruits such as strawberries, prune plums, apricots, or fresh peaches. The key is a light sweetening to harmonize with the subtly sweet dough, whether using fresh, thawed frozen, or well-drained canned fruits.

What You’ll Need

For the Yeast Dough:

• 740 g (approximately 6 cups) of coarse or alternatively, all-purpose flour
• 360 ml (about 1½ cups) of lukewarm milk
• 2 tsp of active dry yeast, or alternatively, 20 g of fresh yeast
• 1 tsp of granulated sugar
• 1 whole egg
• A dash of salt

For the Filling:

• 370 g (about 13 oz) of blueberries
• 50 g (¼ cup) of granulated sugar

For the Topping:

• 200 g (roughly 7 oz) of farmer’s cheese or alternatively, sour cream
• 120 g (1 cup) of powdered sugar
• 38 g (⅓ stick) of unsalted butter

Creating Your Dumplings:

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving a teaspoon of sugar into the lukewarm milk, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit in a warm place until a frothy bubble layer forms, about 10-15 minutes.
2. In a spacious bowl, mix the flour with the egg, a smidge of salt, and the frothy yeast concoction. Start mixing with a spoon before turning the mixture out onto a kneading surface to form a pliable dough with your hands.
3. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a piece of plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and set it aside in a cozy spot to puff up for about 45 minutes.
4. In the meantime, prepare the blueberries by tossing them with the granulated sugar.
5. Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out into a large, flat rectangle, about 1.25 to 2 cm thick. Slice this into squares, 8 cm on each side. Spoon a generous teaspoon and a half of the sugared blueberries onto the center of each square, then seal the dough around the filling.
6. Bring a pot of water with a little salt to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Carefully place the dumplings in the water, cover, and let them cook for 8 minutes without flipping them.
7. After cooking, use a slotted spoon to transfer the dumplings to a serving dish. Pierce them with a fork to let out steam, then brush each dumpling with melted butter. Finish with your choice of toppings before serving.

A Culinary Masterpiece to Share

Czech fruit dumplings offer a dive into the heart of Czech culinary tradition, bringing together the simplicity of ingredients and the complexity of flavors. Whether you’re seeking to recreate a taste of Prague at home or introduce an innovative dish to your culinary repertoire, these dumplings promise a journey of discovery and delight. Serve them up as a surprising main course and watch as they become the star of your dining table, evoking the spirit and charm of Czech cuisine.

And don’t forget to check the other recipes on our blog, each of them offering a different glimpse into the rich variety of Czech cuisine.

March 1, 2024