Il Cucinologo
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Plum Strudel

17/11/2023

Plum strudel is a delicious recipe that encapsulates all the flavors of autumn. Here is the recipe, with an Italian touch to make it even more special:

Ingredients

  • 1 roll of puff pastry or strudel dough
  • 500 g plums
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 50 g butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Lemon juice
  • Raisins (optional)
  • Pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Preparation

  1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Wash and pit the plums, then slice them and place in a bowl. Add lemon juice to prevent browning. Mix in the granulated sugar and cinnamon and stir well. If desired, you can also add raisins previously soaked in warm water and well squeezed, or chopped walnuts for a crunchy touch.
  3. Melt the butter in a pan and toast the breadcrumbs until golden. This will not only add flavor but also help absorb the moisture from the plums during baking, preventing the pastry from becoming soggy.
  4. Roll out the puff pastry or strudel dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Spread the toasted breadcrumbs evenly, leaving a border free on all sides.
  5. Arrange the plums on top of the breadcrumbs and, if desired, also pine nuts or chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
  6. Roll up the strudel with the help of the parchment paper, sealing the ends well to keep the filling inside.
  7. Place the strudel, seam side down, on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush with a little melted butter for perfect browning.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the surface of the strudel is golden and crispy.
  9. Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Serve the plum strudel warm or at room temperature, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bit of whipped cream for a contrast of flavors and temperatures.

Fun Fact

Strudel is a typical dessert from various European regions, particularly those that were part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. In Italy it is very common in Trentino-Alto Adige, where apples are mainly used. The version with plums is a delicious variation that perfectly suits the seasonality of this fruit.