Discover the delightful taste of Găluște cu Prune, traditional Romanian plum dumplings made from tender potato dough and served with a luscious sweet sauce. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating these flavorful dumplings, perfect for a comforting dessert or special treat. Enjoy the blend of sweet plums and rich, buttery sauce in every bite!

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

 - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

 - 1 cup all-purpose flour

 - 1 egg

 - 2 tablespoons butter

 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

 - 12 ripe plums, pitted

For the Sweet Sauce:

 - 1/2 cup sugar

 - 1/2 cup water

 - 1 tablespoon butter

 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

Prepare the Potatoes:

  - Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Make the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, butter, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Form the Dumplings:

  - Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc and place a plum in the center. Gently fold the dough around the plum, pinching the edges to seal completely. Roll into a ball.

Cook the Dumplings:

  - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Sweet Sauce:

  - In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract. If desired, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and add to the sauce to thicken.

Serve:

  - Drizzle the sweet sauce over the warm dumplings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your taste. These plum dumplings are perfect for a cozy dessert or a special occasion!

Nutritional Values

Potatoes (4 medium)

 - Calories: 110 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 26g

 - Protein: 3g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Fiber: 2g

 - Potassium: 620mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function.

 - High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

 - Good source of Vitamin C, boosting the immune system and improving skin health.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)

 - Calories: 455 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Protein: 13g

 - Fat: 1.2g

 - Fiber: 3.4g

Benefits:

 - Provides energy due to its high carbohydrate content.

 - Contains iron, essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

 - Source of protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.

Egg (1 large)

 - Calories: 72 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

 - Cholesterol: 186mg

Benefits:

 - High-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body functions.

 - Rich in vitamins B12 and D, supporting nerve function and bone health.

 - Contains choline, crucial for brain development and liver function.

Butter (3 tablespoons total: 2 for dough, 1 for sauce)

 - Calories: 102 kcal

 - Fat: 12g

 - Saturated Fat: 7g

 - Cholesterol: 31mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune function.

 - Contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that may support gut health.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon)

 - Sodium: 580mg

Benefits:

 - Regulates fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function when consumed in moderation.

Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon)

 - Negligible calories, carbohydrates, and fats

Benefits:

 - Leavening agent, helps dough rise, making the dumplings light and fluffy.

Plums (12 medium, pitted)

 - Calories: 30 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 8g

 - Fiber: 1g

 - Vitamin C: 6% of Daily Value (DV)

 - Vitamin K: 5% of DV

Benefits:

 - High in antioxidants, especially phenols, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells.

 - Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and regularity.

 - Low in calories, making them a healthy and sweet addition to the recipe.

Sugar (1/2 cup)

 - Calories: 48 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

Benefits:

 - Quick source of energy, but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake.

Water (1/2 cup for sauce)

 - Zero calories

Benefits:

 - Essential for hydration, supporting all bodily functions, including digestion and nutrient transport.

Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 12 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

 - Adds flavor without adding significant calories or fat.

Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional)

 - Calories: 30 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits:

 - Thickening agent, can make sauces richer and smoother.

 - Gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with gluten intolerance.

Găluște cu Prune offers a balanced dessert with fiber-rich plums and energy-boosting carbohydrates from potatoes and flour. The dish includes healthy fats from butter and eggs, supporting brain function and heart health. The combination of ingredients also provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing yet indulgent treat.