Slovak-style Sweet Dumplings

Ingredients

In the original Moroccan dish, Mbesses, the dough is made with semolina flour and flavored with orange blossom water. However, in this Slovak adaptation, the dough is made with all-purpose flour and does not include any specific flavorings. Additionally, the fillings used in Slovak-style Sweet Dumplings differ from those used in Mbesses, with options such as fruit preserves, chocolate, and poppy seeds being more common in Slovak cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Mbesses, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Fruit preserves, chocolate, or poppy seeds for filling Fruit preserves, chocolate, or poppy seeds for filling
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each portion in the palm of your hand.
3. 3.
   Place a teaspoon of your desired filling (fruit preserves, chocolate, or poppy seeds) in the center of each flattened dough portion.
4. 4.
   Carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing it completely to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 5-7 minutes.
6. 6.
   While the dumplings are cooking, melt the butter in a separate pan. Add the breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown.
7. 7.
   Remove the cooked dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the pan with the buttered breadcrumbs. Roll the dumplings in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
8. 8.
   Place the coated dumplings on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar.
9. 9.
   Serve the Slovak-style Sweet Dumplings warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fruit preserves — Use your favorite flavor of fruit preserves, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot, for a burst of fruity sweetness.
• Chocolate — Opt for high-quality chocolate, either in bar form or chocolate chips, and chop it into small pieces for easy filling.
• Poppy seeds — Toast the poppy seeds lightly in a dry pan before using them as a filling to enhance their nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the dumplings from sticking together, you can lightly dust them with flour before shaping and filling.
• Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination. You can even try a mix of fillings in one batch.
• Serve the dumplings with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• If you prefer a sweeter coating, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey to the buttered breadcrumbs.
• Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or steam them before serving.

Serving advice

Slovak-style Sweet Dumplings are best served warm. Arrange them on a platter and sprinkle some additional powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation. These dumplings are perfect as a dessert after a traditional Slovak meal or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the dish, you can garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder. Serve the dumplings on individual dessert plates, allowing the golden breadcrumb coating to stand out against the white dumplings. The contrast of colors will make the dish even more enticing.