Apricot Dumplings: A Sweet Taste of Austrian Tradition

Apricot dumplings, encoded with curd cheese and garnished with sweet bread crumbs, are a popular summer treat in Austria. They can be served as a main dish or dessert.

This recipe’s golden, brown, and white hues make it a perfect dish for the whole family. The fruitiness of the apricot, the creaminess of the dough, and the buttery roasting of the coating make it a children-friendly day. 

You’re at the right blog if you’re looking to make apricot dumplings. But first, let’s look at its history.

Background and Origins

Apricot dumplings originate from Austria and the Czech Republic, where they’re enjoyed as desserts. Locals in Austria believe dumplings were first discovered in the Danube regions courtesy of the Romans; however, records show dumplings were introduced to the world through North China. 

The incorporation of apricots in dumplings dates back to Austria. They’re prepared fruity, with less sugar and crunchy, making them healthy like the original dumplings.

Below is the recipe.

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How to Prepare Austrian Apricot Dumplings

Key Ingredients

  • 100g butter: a healthy fat that helps boost your immune system and support healthy skin, weight loss, and heart health.
  • 1 egg: an excellent source of protein and vitamins for your wellbeing.
  • 250g curd cheese: strengthens your bones, controls blood sugar level, and prevents chronic diseases. 
  • 50g Semolina: This nutrient-rich food has magnesium and fiber for lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • 100g all-purpose flour: This flour is high in carbohydrates, which provide our bodies with energy, and contains some vitamins and minerals, such as iron.
  • 8 Apricots: support your vision and protect your eyesight, youthful skin, gut health, and manage high blood pressure.
  • 8 sugar cubes: sweetens the apricot dumplings.
  • 150g bread crumbs: offer a crunchy feel to the apricot dumplings.
  • ½ tsp cinnamon powder 
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 cups Water
  • 150g butter
  • ¼  cup of Currant coulis, optional 
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
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Step-by-step Instructions

  1. Put the butter in a bowl and whisk or beat until it’s whitish and fluffy. Break and add an egg and continue whisking to achieve consistency. 
  2. Add the cheese and mix with a whisk until the mixture is even.
  3. Add the semolina and all-purpose flour and whisk thoroughly. To make the dough stiffer, put the mixture into the fridge for 4 hours.
  4. Take a cooking stick or ladle and push out the apricot pits. This is an easy and fast way to remove apricot pits without cutting them.
  5. Push a sugar cube each in the apricots.
  6. Put a bowl of water to heat and sprinkle a pinch of salt.
  7. Take the dough from the fridge and spread a handful of flour on a clean table. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 5 centimeters.
  8. Cut the dough into 8 or more pieces. Take each dough, flatten it, and put the apricot into them. Wrap the dough around the apricot to form a ball.
  9. Check the boiling water and reduce the heat. Gently place the apricot dumplings in the boiling water.
  10. Allow it to simmer for 8 minutes, flipping it over gently with a ladle every two minutes. 
  11. Melt a part of the 150g of butter on low heat in a cooking pan. Add the bread crumbs and cinnamon. Stir gently and roast for 3 minutes until golden brown. Dump the rest of the butter in the pan.
  12. Now take the apricot dumplings from the boiling water and place them in the breadcrumbs pan, coating them evenly.
  13. On a tray, spread the currant coulis and place the apricot dumplings into them. Sprinkle powdered sugar on the dish.
  14. Enjoy!
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Apricot Dumplings by Culinarish- YouTube

Tips on Making Apricot Dumplings

  • If the curd cheese is wet, place it into a clean cloth to drain. 
  • Since the dough is sticky, you should always have some flour on your hands and on the table when wrapping it around the apricot.
  • Wrap the dough around the apricot thoroughly so there’s no opening.
  • Add more cinnamon powder depending on your taste.
  • If you’re in a hurry, refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.

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Conclusion

The use of apricots in dumplings is one of the best ways to enjoy a fruity dessert. You can also eat them as a main dish. Using a currant coulis is optional, as you can use a jam or any garnish of your choice.

Happy New Year!