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Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings with Apple-Rhubarb Compote Recipe

4.9 from 141 reviews

Enjoy these traditional Slovenian Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings, a delightful dish featuring a soft cheese filling wrapped in a tender homemade dough. Paired with a warm apple and rhubarb compote spiced with cinnamon and cloves, this comforting recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for a satisfying meal or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 cups Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 1 large Egg (Consider egg-free options if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Use sea salt for better flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Oil (Melted butter or plant-based oil can be alternatives)
  • 1 cup Lukewarm Water (Adjust as needed for the right consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar (Lemon juice is an effective substitute)

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 cups Farmer’s Cheese (Ricotta or cottage cheese can be used)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (Plain yogurt can be used instead)
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar (Natural sweeteners like honey can also be used)
  • 1 large Egg

Compote Ingredients

  • 3 cups Apples (Any variety will work)
  • 1 cup Rhubarb (More apples or fresh berries can be used)
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (Ground cinnamon can be a quicker option)
  • 2 whole Cloves (Omit for a milder taste)
  • 1/2 cup Sugar (for compote) (Adjust to taste)

Topping Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons Butter (Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be used)
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: Sift the flour into a large bowl and create a well in the center. Add the egg, oil, lukewarm water, salt, and vinegar to the well. Stir the mixture until a dough forms, then knead it until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, to develop the gluten and achieve the right texture.
  2. Rest Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, lightly coat it with oil to prevent drying, then cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest for 30 to 60 minutes, which helps relax the gluten and makes rolling easier.
  3. Make Filling: In a bowl, mash the farmer’s cheese until smooth. Mix in the egg, sugar, and sour cream, stirring thoroughly to create a creamy and sweetened cheese filling.
  4. Roll Dough: Divide the rested dough into two equal parts. Roll each piece out on a floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Spread the cheese filling evenly across each sheet, then roll each sheet tightly from one edge to form logs filled with the cheese mixture.
  5. Cook Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the dumpling logs to the water, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the dumplings float to the surface and are tender inside.
  6. Prepare Compote: In a saucepan, combine chopped apples, rhubarb, cinnamon stick, cloves, and sugar. Simmer over medium heat until the fruit is soft and the flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.
  7. Serve Dumplings: Slice the cooked dumplings into pieces. Melt the butter in a skillet, then brown the breadcrumbs in the melted butter until crispy and golden. Place the dumpling slices on plates, top with the browned breadcrumbs, sprinkle with sugar and ground cinnamon, and serve warm alongside the apple-rhubarb compote.

Notes

  • The dough consistency may vary slightly depending on flour type and humidity; adjust water quantity accordingly.
  • For a vegetarian but egg-free option, consider using flax egg or commercial egg replacers.
  • Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • You can substitute farmer’s cheese with ricotta or well-drained cottage cheese if unavailable.
  • Adjust the sweetness in filling and compote based on personal preference or dietary needs.
  • Serving the dish warm enhances the flavors and texture, especially the crispy breadcrumb topping.

Keywords: Slovenian dumplings, farmer's cheese dumplings, cheese filled dumplings, traditional Slovenian recipe, apple rhubarb compote, homemade dumplings