Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy dumpling only to discover a warm, jammy strawberry inside.
This delightful experience is what you get with strawberry dumplings, known as jahodové knedlíky in the Czech Republic.
I was first introduced to this treat by my aunt from the Czech Republic, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
These dumplings are not only delicious but also a fun and unique way to enjoy strawberries.
Traditional recipes for strawberry dumplings can vary significantly.
Some use a yeasted dough, while others incorporate Czech Tvaroh cheese, which can be substituted with farmer’s cheese or ricotta.
In our version, we opted for simplicity and ease.
We use ricotta cheese, and after cooking, we roll the dumplings in a delightful cinnamon sugar mixture.
The result is a treat that tastes almost like a fancy jelly donut, with the strawberries becoming wonderfully jammy during the cooking process.
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering strawberry dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:
- 10-16 strawberries (depending on size), hulled
- 1 cup ricotta (~250g)
- 1 1/2 cups double zero or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- For coating: 1/2 cup sugar + 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Steps to Make Strawberry Dumplings
Step 1: Drain the Ricotta
Drain the ricotta to ensure the dough is not too wet.
Spread the ricotta into an even layer on top of paper towels. Place more paper towels on top and press down gently.
Let it sit for 20-30 minutes to drain.
Then, peel off the paper towels and set the drained ricotta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash your strawberries and pat them as dry as possible.
Hull the strawberries and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Bring a pot of water to a simmer.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Add the drained ricotta and beaten egg to the bowl.
Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead and Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a nonstick surface.
Gently knead the dough into a ball, then roll it into a log.
Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can make it tough.
Portion the dough into approximately 1-ounce pieces.
Take each piece and gently form it into a circle that is large enough to encase a strawberry.
Place a strawberry in the center of the dough circle and wrap the dough around it, pinching the edges to seal.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Carefully place the dumplings in the simmering water.
Allow them to cook for 5 minutes.
The water should be simmering, not boiling, to ensure the dumplings cook evenly without breaking apart.
After 5 minutes, remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and let them dry off for a minute.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
Roll each dumpling in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.
This will give them a delightful sweet and slightly crunchy coating.
Additional Tips and Notes
- If the dough is sticky, add a little extra flour as needed. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water to achieve the right consistency.
- Roll the dough-covered strawberry gently in your hands to ensure the dumplings are even and smooth.
- If your strawberries are large, they may need an extra minute of cook time to ensure they become perfectly jammy inside.
- Pat the dumplings dry with a paper towel before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This helps the sugar mixture stick better.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry dumplings are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after they’ve been coated in cinnamon sugar.
They make an excellent dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
For an added touch of indulgence, you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A Culinary Delight
Strawberry dumplings are a delightful way to enjoy fresh strawberries in a unique and delicious form.
The combination of the soft, slightly chewy dough with the warm, jammy strawberries and the sweet cinnamon sugar coating is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a new dessert to try or a fun project for a weekend baking session, these dumplings are sure to impress.
Conclusion
Next time you have a batch of fresh strawberries, give this recipe a try.
The process of making strawberry dumplings is enjoyable, and the results are wonderfully rewarding.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of Czech culinary tradition into your kitchen.
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious strawberry dumplings!