Indulge in the taste of traditional Czech cuisine with our scrumptious Ovocné Knedlíky. These fruit-filled dumplings offer a delightful combination of soft, pillowy dough encasing a burst of sweet, juicy fruit. Whether it's the classic cherry filling or the tempting apricot or plum variations, each bite is a journey through the rich culinary heritage of the Czech Republic. Perfectly paired with a dollop of melted butter and a dusting of powdered sugar, these Ovocné Knedlíky are sure to transport you to the cozy kitchens of Bohemia with every delectable bite.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup milk (or more if needed)

For the filling:

• 2 cups fruit (strawberries, plums, apricots, or your choice)
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the fruit)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for apricot or plum filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for plum filling)

For serving:

• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the fruit filling:

1- If using strawberries, wash, hull, and chop them into small pieces. If using plums or apricots, wash, pit, and chop them into small pieces.

2- Place the chopped fruit in a bowl and toss with sugar and lemon juice (if using). Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to release some juices. If using plums, mix in ground cinnamon.

Prepare the dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and melted butter.

2- Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients while adding milk slowly. Mix until you get a smooth and slightly sticky dough. Add more milk if needed.

3- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic. Form it into a ball and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Assemble the dumplings:

1- Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on the size of the dumplings you desire.

2- Flatten each portion of dough into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

3- Place a spoonful of the prepared fruit filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it completely to form a ball.

Cook the dumplings:

1- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil.

2- Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Avoid overcrowding the pot; you may need to cook them in batches.

3- Cook the dumplings for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.

Serve:

1- Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and drain them briefly on a plate lined with paper towels.

2- Serve the Ovocné Knedlíky warm, drizzled with melted butter and dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy the delightful burst of fruit flavors wrapped in soft, pillowy dough!

Enjoy your homemade Czech Republic Ovocné Knedlíky!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Czech Republic Ovocné Knedlíky recipe:

All-purpose flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 880
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 184g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein for muscle repair and growth.

Large eggs (2):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 10g

benefits: Rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins (such as vitamin A, D, E, and B vitamins), and minerals (such as iron and zinc), which support various bodily functions including muscle development, immune system health, and overall vitality.

Butter (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 407
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fat: 46g

benefits: Contains healthy fats, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), and cholesterol, which are important for brain function, hormone production, and cellular structure.

Salt (pinch):

• Negligible calorie content

benefits: Regulates fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in the body.

Milk (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 31
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 2g

benefits: Excellent source of calcium for bone health, protein for muscle growth and repair, and essential vitamins (such as vitamins A and D) for overall health.

Fruit (2 cups, strawberries, plums, apricots, or a combination):

• Nutritional values vary depending on the type of fruit used. For instance, strawberries are lower in calories and sugar compared to apricots or plums.

benefits: Provides essential vitamins (such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and various B vitamins), minerals (such as potassium and magnesium), antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which contribute to overall health, immune function, digestion, and hydration.

Sugar (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 194
• Carbohydrates: 50g

benefits: Provides a quick source of energy, although it should be consumed in moderation to avoid negative health effects such as weight gain and tooth decay.

Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional):

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits: Contains vitamin C, antioxidants, and citric acid, which can aid digestion, boost immune function, and promote skin health.

Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional):

• Negligible calorie content

benefits: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Melted butter (for serving):

• Calories: 102 (per tablespoon)
• Fat: 12g

benefits: Adds richness and flavor to dishes, while also providing healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Powdered sugar (for serving):

• Calories: 30 (per tablespoon)

benefits: Adds sweetness and texture to dishes, although it is primarily a source of empty calories and should be consumed in moderation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness of ingredients, and specific variations in the recipe. Additionally, the nutritional values for fruit can vary widely based on the specific type and ripeness.