Comforting Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings with Apple Compote Recipe

Introduction

Discover the comforting flavors of Slovenian farmer’s cheese dumplings served with a warm apple and rhubarb compote. This traditional dish combines tender, cheesy dumplings with a lightly spiced fruit topping for a satisfying homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1.25 cups farmer’s cheese, fresh and crumbled
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for filling)
• 7 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 5 medium apples, peeled and chopped
• 4 rhubarb stalks, peeled and chopped
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for compote)
• Water, as needed for compote

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sift the flour into a large bowl, creating a well in the center. Add the beaten egg, vegetable oil, and lukewarm water mixed with vinegar.
2. Step 2: Mix with your fingers until a rough dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Shape the dough into a ball, coat with oil, cover, and let rest for 30 to 60 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mash the farmer’s cheese and mix in the beaten eggs, sour cream, and sugar until smooth.
5. Step 5: Divide the rested dough into two pieces. Roll out one piece on a floured cloth as thin as possible and trim the edges.
6. Step 6: Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the ends. Wrap it in a cloth and tie securely. Repeat with the second piece of dough and filling.
8. Step 8: Drop both wrapped dumplings into boiling salted water, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from water and let rest for 10 minutes before unwrapping.
10. Step 10: For the compote, combine chopped apples, rhubarb, cinnamon stick, cloves, sugar, and enough water to cover in a pot. Bring to a boil.
11. Step 11: Simmer the fruit mixture for 15-20 minutes until the fruits are tender.
12. Step 12: In a pan, melt the butter and toast the breadcrumbs until golden brown and fragrant.
13. Step 13: Slice the dumplings, plate them, and spoon toasted breadcrumbs over the top.
14. Step 14: Serve the dumplings warm with a generous helping of the apple and rhubarb compote. Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cloth with a tight weave to wrap the dumplings securely and prevent water seepage.
• Try substituting farmer’s cheese with ricotta or quark if unavailable.
• The compote can be made sweeter or tangier by adjusting the sugar or adding lemon juice.
• For a nutty flavor, add a handful of toasted walnuts to the breadcrumb topping.

Storage

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through. The compote can be refrigerated separately and served warm or cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dumplings?

Yes, wrap the uncooked rolled dumplings tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the simmering time.

What can I use instead of farmer’s cheese?

If farmer’s cheese is not available, ricotta or quark are good substitutes that provide a similar creamy texture.

Comforting Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings with Apple Compote Recipe

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Experience the comforting taste of Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings served with a warm, aromatic apple and rhubarb compote. These traditional dumplings feature a smooth, elastic dough wrapped around a creamy, lightly sweetened farmer’s cheese filling, boiled to tender perfection and topped with golden fried breadcrumbs for a delightful texture contrast. Paired with a fragrant compote simmered with cinnamon and cloves, this recipe offers a heartwarming, rustic dessert or sweet main course perfect for sharing.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Slovenian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough:

• 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup lukewarm water mixed with 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar

Filling:

• 1.25 cups farmer’s cheese, crumbled
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Topping:

• 7 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

Apple Rhubarb Compote:

• 5 medium apples, peeled and chopped
• 4 rhubarb stalks, peeled and chopped
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Water, as needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Sift 2.75 cups of all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl and create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 2/3 cup lukewarm water combined with 1 tablespoon vinegar into the well in the flour.
3. Form Rough Dough: Using your fingers, mix the ingredients until a rough dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Rest Dough: Shape into a ball, coat with vegetable oil to prevent drying, cover, and let it rest for 30 to 60 minutes.
6. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mash 1.25 cups of farmer’s cheese. Add 2 beaten eggs, 3/4 cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons sugar; mix until the filling is smooth.
7. Divide Dough: Split the rested dough evenly into two pieces for easier handling.
8. Roll First Dough Piece: On a floured cloth, roll out one piece of dough as thin as possible and trim the edges cleanly.
9. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cheese filling over the rolled dough, leaving a margin around the edges.
10. Roll Dumpling: Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one edge, sealing both ends to encase the filling.
11. Wrap Dumpling: Wrap the rolled dumpling snugly in a clean cloth and tie securely to hold its shape. Repeat with second piece of dough and filling.
12. Cook Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, drop in the wrapped dumplings, cover, and simmer gently for about 30 minutes until cooked through.
13. Rest Dumplings: Remove dumplings from water and let them rest for 10 minutes before unwrapping.
14. Prepare Apple Rhubarb Compote: In a pot, combine chopped apples, chopped rhubarb, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, 2 tablespoons sugar, and enough water to cover the fruit. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fruit softens and flavors meld.
15. Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a pan, melt 7 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and fry, stirring frequently until golden brown and crisp.
16. Serve Dumplings: Carefully unwrap the dumplings and slice them into serving pieces. Plate them and generously spoon the browned breadcrumbs over each serving.
17. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle the dumplings with ground cinnamon and sugar to your taste, and serve alongside the warm apple rhubarb compote for a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Notes

• The vinegar in the dough water helps tenderize the dough and adds a subtle tang.
• Use fresh farmer’s cheese for the authentic creamy texture; small curd cottage cheese can be a substitute but drain excess moisture.
• Ensure the dough is rolled very thin to achieve the delicate texture characteristic of Slovenian dumplings.
• Wrapping dumplings in cloth helps them maintain shape during simmering and prevents disintegration.
• Adjust sugar in compote according to the sweetness of your apples and rhubarb.
• Serve dumplings warm for best flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumb topping adds a crunchy contrast to the soft dumplings and complements the tangy cheese filling.

Keywords: Slovenian dumplings, farmer’s cheese dumplings, apple compote dessert, traditional Slovenian recipe, sweet cheese dumplings