If you’re ready to dive into a dish that perfectly captures the rustic charm of Slovenian home cooking, you’re going to love this Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings Recipe. These tender dumplings combine the mild tang of farmer’s cheese with a delicate dough and are traditionally served with a warm, sweet-tart fruit sauce that adds a burst of flavor. Each bite is a comforting hug, a wonderful balance of creamy, soft filling and lightly crisped exterior, making it a beloved dish in Slovenian households and a true delight to enjoy any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each component brings its unique role, whether in flavor, texture, or just that authentic farmhouse appeal. You don’t need anything fancy, just simple pantry staples that come together to create magic.
- 2 cups Flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and a lightly chewy bite; feel free to use gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 large Egg: The binding agent that gives the dough its elasticity and richness.
- 1 tsp Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp Oil: Adds tenderness to the dough; neutral oils like vegetable or sunflower work best.
- 1 cup Lukewarm Water: Helps bring the dough together gently without cooking the egg.
- 1 tbsp Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the dough, with apple cider vinegar as a great alternative.
- 1 cup Farmer’s Cheese: The star ingredient—creamy, slightly tangy, and utterly delicious; ricotta or cottage cheese work in a pinch.
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream: Brings richness and moisture to the filling, but Greek yogurt can be swapped in for a lighter touch.
- 2 tbsp Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the cheese filling—you can use honey if you prefer natural sweeteners.
- 2 tbsp Butter: For toasting breadcrumbs and adding buttery goodness; olive oil is a suitable dairy-free swap.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs: Toasted for that perfect finish on top of your dumplings; gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to suit dietary needs.
- 3 cups Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a lovely contrast with the creamy dumplings.
- 1 cup Rhubarb: Offers a bright, tangy flavor to complement the sweetness of the apples.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon: Warms the fruit sauce with a touch of spice; nutmeg or allspice can be interesting twists.
- 1/2 cup Water: For cooking the fruit into a luscious, simmered sauce.
How to Make Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour, salt, and oil in a large bowl. Crack in the egg, then add the lukewarm water and vinegar. Stir everything together gently until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough that isn’t too sticky. The dough should feel soft and pliable, ready for rolling and shaping.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the farmer’s cheese, sour cream, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and evenly sweetened. This filling is the heart of your dumplings, so take a moment to savor how luscious it looks—this is what makes the Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings Recipe truly special!
Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
Divide the dough into manageable portions and roll it out on a floured surface into thin sheets. Use a cup or a round cutter to cut circles. Place a spoonful of cheese filling in the center of each circle, then fold carefully and seal the edges with your fingers, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings in batches, being careful not to crowd them. When they float to the surface, continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes to ensure the filling is heated through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Fruit Sauce
While the dumplings cook, get your fruit sauce ready by combining chopped apples, rhubarb, cinnamon, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the fruit breaks down and the sauce thickens slightly. This sauce adds a perfectly balanced contrast to the rich dumplings.
Step 6: Toast the Breadcrumbs
In a skillet, melt butter and toast the breadcrumbs until golden-brown and fragrant. This final step adds a delightful crunch and buttery aroma when sprinkled generously over the dumplings before serving.
How to Serve Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
These dumplings truly shine when topped with those toasted breadcrumbs—the crunch pairs wonderfully with the soft dumplings. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence and that classic Slovenian touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. A cup of warm herbal tea or a glass of lightly chilled white wine also complements the rustic flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or treat yourself, consider serving the dumplings in small, individual bowls with a generous swirl of the fruit sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon for a picture-perfect finish that invites you to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the fruit sauce separate to maintain its freshness until you’re ready to enjoy the next serving.
Freezing
To freeze, place uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen, which makes them convenient for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat cooked dumplings by gently warming them in boiling water or steaming to keep them tender and moist. Warm the fruit sauce on the stove or microwave, then plate your dumplings and pour over the sauce for a quick, satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of farmer’s cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta or a mild cottage cheese are great alternatives if you can’t find farmer’s cheese, just make sure to adjust moisture levels so the filling isn’t too wet.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the wheat flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free varieties works well. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delicious.
What is the best way to store leftover fruit sauce?
Keep the fruit sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It reheats nicely and maintains its flavor well.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
Should I serve the dumplings warm or at room temperature?
Serving them warm ensures the best texture and flavor, especially with the melted buttered breadcrumbs and warm fruit sauce, but they’re also enjoyable at room temperature if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a memorable dish to brighten your meal times, the Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings Recipe is a must-try. It’s charming, comforting, and carries the warmth of Slovenian tradition right into your kitchen. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and give it a go—it’s more than a recipe; it’s a little taste of home worth sharing.
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Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings, approximately 4 dumplings per serving
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Slovenian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the authentic taste of Slovenian cuisine with these delicious Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings, a traditional savory and slightly sweet dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with a simple dough and filled with creamy farmer’s cheese, then served with a buttery apple and rhubarb compote spiced with cinnamon, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that can be prepared easily at home.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.)
- 1 large Egg (No substitute recommended for binding properties.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Can be omitted if sodium intake is a concern.)
- 2 tbsp Oil (Use any neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil.)
- 1 cup Lukewarm Water (Ensure the water is not too hot to prevent cooking the egg.)
- 1 tbsp Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can be used as a suitable substitute.)
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup Farmer’s Cheese (Substitute with ricotta or cottage cheese, adjust moisture levels accordingly.)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt serves as a lower-fat alternative.)
- 2 tbsp Sugar (Use honey or a sugar substitute if desired.)
Compote and Topping
- 2 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be swapped for a dairy-free option.)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.)
- 3 cups Apples (Any tart variety like Granny Smith works well.)
- 1 cup Rhubarb (Can substitute with more apples if necessary.)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon (Mix in other spices like nutmeg if desired.)
- 1/2 cup Water
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg with lukewarm water, oil, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until elastic. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Make the cheese filling: In a separate bowl, mix the farmer’s cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness to taste, ensuring the filling is well combined and soft enough to spread.
- Roll and fill the dough: Roll out the dough into a thin sheet about 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into squares roughly 3×3 inches. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling to form dumplings and press the edges firmly to seal them tightly.
- Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water in batches. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
- Prepare the apple and rhubarb compote: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, rhubarb, cinnamon, sugar (if desired), and water. Cook gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the fruit softens and forms a chunky compote.
- Toast breadcrumbs: In a skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and serve: Place the cooked dumplings onto plates. Spoon warm apple-rhubarb compote over the dumplings and sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy a traditional Slovenian treat.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Adjust sugar levels in the filling and compote based on personal preference and dietary needs.
- Ensure water used for dough is lukewarm to prevent cooking the egg mixture prematurely.
- Farmer’s cheese can be replaced with ricotta or cottage cheese but adjust moisture content as needed to avoid soggy filling.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness of the cheese filling.
- Butter can be swapped with olive oil or dairy-free margarine for vegan adaptations, but note this changes the flavor slightly.
- Dumplings are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in a pan or microwave.
