5 original recipes with plums
Although tasty in their natural state, plums are "stars" rather in grandma's pantry or used to prepare strong alcoholic drinks, but they are also found in international cuisine, in gourmet dishes.
Plums contain no less than 15 vitamins and minerals, lots of fiber and antioxidants (polyphenols).
They have few kilocalories - dried plums are an exception, which can double the number of calories in a plum -, so they can be safely consumed by diabetics, they support the good functioning of the digestive tract and bone health, they can reduce cholesterol or high blood pressure and protect heart health, not to mention the beneficial effects of antioxidants in fresh plums, but especially in dried ones, which contribute to reducing inflammation and protecting cells against free radicals.
Last but not least, they are delicious and versatile, inspiring foodies everywhere.
You probably immediately thought of desserts such as tarts or dumplings. They are, of course, the most popular, but plums can also be used in other ways.
In salads…
For example, they can be the surprise element in a filling and refreshing salad. You need 5-6 large fruits, cut in half, sprinkled with oil and baked on the grill or in the oven, cold chicken meat (leftover from dinner the night before), a handful of green salad - it can also be valerian, baby spinach or arugula -, parsley, finely chopped onion, pine seeds, wheat germ and a few spoons of Greek yogurt. Drizzle everything with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt to taste.
At the steak...
If you want to impress your dinner guests, prepare them roast duck in Lambrusco with plums and bay leaves. Boil the boneless duck meat for 20 minutes in salted water, then set aside to cool. Brown it in a non-stick pan, and then transfer it to a deep tray, in which pour 300 ml of wine (you can also use Pinot Noir instead of Lambrusco), add the bay leaves, rosemary, salt, pepper, 50 g of Muscovado brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Bake for 30 minutes, then add 7-8 cut, pitted plums. Bake for another half hour or until the steak becomes golden brown, periodically covering the meat with the sauce from the tray.
As a side dish...
And since the side dish completes the main course, how about some variations with prunes? For example, you can combine dried plums with previously prepared lentils, cooked basmati rice, parsley, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and turmeric.
Another option for a side dish would be baby carrots that are quickly roasted (drizzled with olive oil beforehand and seasoned with salt and pepper), and then served in a sauce made from honey, lemon juice, chopped prunes, salt, pepper and thyme.
For vegetarians…
A portion of whole grain gorgonzola pasta with prunes and pecans, served with garlic, olive oil and parsley, or a risotto with prunes and goat cheese could be ideal options for non-meat eaters, or for a light but not lacking in flavor dinner with a glass of red wine.
Bon appetit!
No Comments