Sweet Plum Gnocchi Delight
Indulge in the delightful experience of Sweet Plum Gnocchi Delight, a cherished Croatian dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table. Inspired by Lidia Bastianich's childhood memories, these delicate gnocchi are made with perfectly ripe Italian prune plums, wrapped in a soft potato dough that melts in your mouth. The contrast of the sweet plums with the buttery, golden breadcrumb coating creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. This recipe encapsulates the essence of simple ingredients transformed into an exquisite treat, perfect for special occasions or to satisfy your sweet cravings.
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
3 large (Cooked and riced)
egg
1 (Beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon
freshly grated nutmeg
1 pinch
flour
2 cups (Plus extra for rolling out)
ripe plums
2 large (Pitted and cut into pieces)
sugar
1 cup (Divided)
butter
6 tablespoons (Melted)
coarse dry breadcrumbs
2 cups
ground cinnamon
3 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the russet potatoes in a large pot, covering them with cold water, and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook with the pot partially covered until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 35 minutes.
2
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly, ensuring they are manageable yet still warm for easier peeling and ricing.
3
Peel the warm potatoes and press them through a potato ricer onto a clean, flat surface. Spread the riced potatoes into a thin layer to allow them to cool completely.
4
Gather the cooled riced potatoes into a mound, then create a well at the center. Add the egg, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg into the well and beat the mixture together.
5
Gradually knead the dough while incorporating about 1.5 cups of flour until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Avoid over-kneading to maintain a light texture.
6
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out 30 circles.
7
With the plums, cut each into 30 pieces of approximately 3/4 inch. To fill the gnocchi, place a dough circle in the palm of your hand, place a piece of plum in the center, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
8
Carefully gather the edges of the dough up and around the plum, pinching and sealing the dough to prevent any openings. Shape each filled gnocchi into a smooth, even ball and place them on a lightly floured tray.
9
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the dry breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs, stirring constantly, until they turn a deep golden brown, approximately 7 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the ground cinnamon and remaining sugar.
10
In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook the gnocchi in small batches to prevent them from sticking together, stirring gently. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the dumplings are tender and slightly translucent.
11
Use a slotted spoon to lift the gnocchi from the boiling water and let them drain well. Roll each gnocchi in the toasted breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
12
Finally, arrange the beautiful gnocchi on a serving platter and sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mix on top. Serve warm and delight in the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Nutrition Information
2.8g
Fat
12.3g
Carbs
0.9g
Protein
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Plum Gnocchi Delight?
It is a cherished Croatian dessert consisting of delicate potato dough wrapped around ripe plums, coated in buttery, toasted breadcrumbs.
What is the cultural origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a traditional Croatian dessert, often associated with childhood memories and nostalgia.
Who inspired this specific Sweet Plum Gnocchi recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the childhood memories and culinary traditions of Lidia Bastianich.
What type of potatoes are best for the gnocchi dough?
Russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe because they provide the ideal texture when riced.
How many potatoes are required?
You will need 3 large russet potatoes.
How long should the potatoes be boiled?
The potatoes should be boiled for about 35 minutes or until they are tender.
Should I peel the potatoes before cooking?
No, you should boil them whole and then peel them while they are still warm for easier ricing.
What is the purpose of using a potato ricer?
A potato ricer ensures the potatoes have a smooth, light consistency without lumps, which is essential for soft gnocchi dough.
What spices are used to season the potato dough?
The dough is seasoned with salt and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of flour total, using about 1.5 cups for the dough and the rest for rolling out.
What is the ideal texture for the gnocchi dough?
The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky; you should avoid over-kneading to keep the texture light.
How thick should the dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
What size should the dough circles be?
Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles.
How many gnocchi does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to produce 30 gnocchi circles.
What kind of plums are recommended?
Ripe Italian prune plums or any large, ripe plums work well for the filling.
How should the plums be prepared for filling?
The plums should be pitted and cut into approximately 3/4-inch pieces.
How much sugar is placed inside each gnocchi?
Each piece of plum is sprinkled with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar before being sealed in the dough.
How do you seal the plum inside the dough?
Gather the edges of the dough circle around the plum and pinch the dough closed to ensure there are no openings.
How long do the filled gnocchi need to boil?
They should be boiled in salted water for about 20 minutes.
How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?
The dumplings are done when they are tender and appear slightly translucent.
How is the breadcrumb coating prepared?
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add 2 cups of breadcrumbs, and toast until deep golden brown.
What is added to the toasted breadcrumbs?
Ground cinnamon and the remaining sugar are mixed into the toasted breadcrumbs.
How long does it take to toast the breadcrumbs?
It takes approximately 7 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat.
How are the gnocchi finished after boiling?
Once drained, each gnocchi is rolled in the toasted breadcrumb and cinnamon mixture until fully coated.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 70 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dessert?
Each serving contains 2.8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
A serving contains 12.3 grams of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 2.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Is there protein in the plum gnocchi?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 0.9 grams of protein.
How should this dish be served?
Serve the gnocchi warm on a platter, sprinkled with any remaining breadcrumb mixture for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.