National Dish Liechtenstein: Plum Dumplings (Recipe)
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Meet plum dumplings, one of Liechtenstein’s most comforting sweet treats. Tender parcels of light potato dough are wrapped around whole, juicy plums, then rolled in golden breadcrumbs toasted in butter until crisp. Warm, homely and gently sweet, they are a firm favourite at autumn celebrations yet simple enough to enjoy as an everyday pudding. Bring a taste of the Alpine kitchen straight to your own table.
About Plum Dumplings
Plum dumplings are a much-loved national dish from Liechtenstein, prized for their delicious flavour and cosy charm. These tender parcels are filled with ripe, juicy plums and wrapped in a light, airy potato dough. They are often served in breadcrumbs toasted in butter, which gives them a perfectly crisp texture. This dish is a hit not only at festive occasions but can also be enjoyed simply as a sweet snack whenever the mood strikes.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g potatoes
- 100 g flour
- 1 egg
- 8 plums
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
To make plum dumplings, you will need fresh, good-quality ingredients. Pay particular attention to the quality of the plums, since they are the star of the dish. Visit a local market or a greengrocer to pick up the freshest fruit. It is also worth choosing good potatoes and fresh flour to get the best possible results. Much like the pastry for a Zwetschgenkuchen, the base is only as good as what goes into it.
Preparing the dish
Preparing plum dumplings involves a few simple steps that are nonetheless crucial to the flavour. First, the potatoes should be boiled and then peeled. Next, mash them thoroughly to create a smooth base for the dough. Take care to work the potatoes while they are still hot, as the dough comes together far more easily that way.
Step-by-step instructions
- Tip the boiled and mashed potatoes into a bowl and leave to cool.
- Add the flour, the egg and the salt, then mix everything together well.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into equal-sized pieces.
- Place a stoned plum in the centre of each piece and shape into a dumpling.
- Drop the dumplings into boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the butter in a pan and toast the breadcrumbs in it.
- Once the dumplings are done, turn them in the pan with the breadcrumbs and serve.
- Dust with icing sugar and enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the plum dumplings, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour. Make sure all the other ingredients are gluten-free too. For a lactose-free version, simply swap the butter for plant-based margarine. These small adjustments make the dish accessible to a wider range of dietary needs without compromising on flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make the plum dumplings vegan, replace the egg with a plant-based binder such as apple sauce or ground flaxseed. This keeps the dough holding together nicely. Likewise, the butter can be swapped for a plant-based alternative. These minor tweaks make the delicious dumplings just as appealing for vegans, and they sit happily alongside a sweet classic like Kaiserschmarrn.
More tips and tricks
For the very best plum dumplings, it pays to work with fresh, ripe plums. Buy them shortly before cooking to make the most of their flavour. You can also freeze the dumplings, so this dish is always on hand whenever you fancy it. Simply cook the dumplings, let them cool, then freeze them ready to be crisped up quickly in the pan later.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
This recipe for plum dumplings offers plenty of scope for adaptation. Instead of plums, you could use other stone fruits such as damsons or apricots — the same idea behind Marillenknoedel. A little cinnamon or vanilla in the dough can add extra flavour too. Do not be afraid to experiment with the ingredients to create your own take on this classic dish.
Ingredient substitutions
If you would rather leave out certain ingredients, there are several alternatives you can use in the plum dumplings. The flour, for instance, can be replaced with ground almonds or coconut flour for a nuttier flavour. The amount of sugar can be varied as well, so the dish can be made less sweet or with no sugar at all. You can also change up the filling as you like and experiment with chocolate or nuts.
Drink pairing ideas
To enjoy the plum dumplings in style, several drinks make ideal companions. A fresh fruit tea or an aromatic white wine makes a perfect pairing. Alternatively, you might choose a sweet dessert wine to complement the dish’s sugary aromas. For an alcohol-free option, a homemade lemonade is a refreshing choice.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of the plum dumplings can be simple yet elegant. Serve the dumplings on a pretty plate and dust them generously with icing sugar. A sauce made from fresh plums or a vanilla custard can add an extra touch of elegance. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers also work beautifully as a garnish, giving the dumplings an inviting look.
A bit of history
Plum dumplings have their origins in the eastern Alpine region and form part of the culinary traditions of Liechtenstein and its neighbouring countries. They are traditionally made in the autumn months, when the plums are ripe and ready for harvest. This dish is not only a beloved part of Liechtenstein’s national cuisine but also a classic in many German and Austrian households. The dumplings have evolved over the years and are hugely popular with food lovers today.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Plum Dumplings
Plum dumplings are a delicious and versatile dish that brings together tradition and flavour in a single bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can make them both for festive occasions and for everyday enjoyment. Whether you prefer them vegan, gluten-free or in the classic style, these dumplings have something for everyone. Let their unique flavour charm you and bring a piece of Liechtenstein cuisine to your table.
