Apricot Dumplings (Marillenknödel) 🍑🥟
What is it?
Apricot dumplings, known as “Marillenknödel” in German-speaking countries, are a delicious dessert or snack made from fresh apricots encased in a sweet dough, typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and sometimes a dollop of whipped cream. They are a popular treat in Austria, Hungary, and other parts of Central Europe.
History:
The history of apricot dumplings can be traced back to Central European cuisine. Apricots are widely grown in this region, and using them to make dumplings likely originated as a way to enjoy the sweet and juicy fruit in a different form.
Components:
- Fresh apricots: Choose ripe but firm apricots for the best results.
- Dough: The dough is typically made from a mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. Some variations may also include breadcrumbs or semolina.
- Sugar: Sugar is used to sweeten the dough and to sprinkle on top of the dumplings.
- Butter: Butter is often used to pan-fry the dumplings for a crispy exterior.
- Bread Crumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to the dumplings.
Steps to Prepare Apricot Dumplings:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, eggs, a pinch of salt, and milk. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, elastic dough.
- Allow the dough to rest for about 30 minutes, covered with a clean cloth.
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Prepare the Apricots:
- Wash and pit the fresh apricots.
- Optionally, you can replace the pits with sugar cubes or a small piece of chocolate.
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Form the Dumplings:
- Divide the rested dough into equal portions and flatten each portion into a circle.
- Place an apricot in the center of each dough circle and wrap the dough around it, forming a dumpling. Ensure there are no openings.
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Boil the Dumplings:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop the apricot dumplings into the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes until they float to the surface.
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Pan-Fry (Optional):
- After boiling, some people like to pan-fry the dumplings in butter and toasted breadcrumbs for a crispy texture. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
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Serve:
- Transfer the apricot dumplings to a serving plate.
- Dust them with powdered sugar.
- Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Time Needed:
- Preparation: 20-30 minutes
- Resting time for dough: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
- Optional pan-frying: 5-10 minutes
In total, you can expect to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours to prepare and cook a batch of delicious apricot dumplings. Enjoy your homemade Marillenknödel! 🍑🥟😋
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Dumplings:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 200-250 calories per dumpling (varies depending on size and ingredients used)
- Total Fat: 5-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 20-40 mg
- Sodium: 100-200 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 10-15 grams
- Protein: 3-5 grams
- Vitamins and Minerals: Apricots provide vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Health Information:
- Apricots are a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
- They are also rich in vitamin A, which is important for vision and overall health.
- The dietary fiber in apricots and the dough can aid in digestive health and help maintain regular bowel movements.
- However, apricot dumplings are relatively high in calories and sugar due to the use of sugar in the dough and powdered sugar for dusting. They should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat.
- The pan-frying step, while delicious, adds extra calories from butter and breadcrumbs and should also be considered in terms of overall calorie intake.
As with any dessert, it’s essential to enjoy apricot dumplings in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They can be a delightful occasional indulgence, especially if you’re a fan of Central European cuisine and the flavors of apricots. 🍑🥟😊
