Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings

Savor the authenticity of Moldovan cuisine with our Sour Cherry Dumplings, also known as Coltunasi. This family recipe has been passed down through generations and is especially enjoyed during fasting periods.

These delectable dumplings can be filled with potatoes, sauerkraut, or cherries for dessert. The cherry variant is a classic choice, and these dumplings taste fantastic served both cold and warm.

This versatile recipe offers both a simple version with eggs and a vegan alternative with just flour, water, and salt.

Ingredients
White flour
300 g
adjust the quantity based on the number of people
Pitted cherries
500 g
canned or frozen
Sugar
100 g
Salt
0.25 tsp
Step by step
Step 1

Start by draining canned cherries or thawed cherries, keeping the juice aside for later use in the recipe.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 1
Step 2

In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually incorporate water, stirring until the dough comes together.

Aim for a soft, non-sticky dough, being careful not to add excessive water.

Optionally, you can enrich the dough's consistency by adding 1-2 eggs.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 2
Step 3

Knead the dough well until it's uniform. Let it rest for about 10 minutes for easier kneading. Divide the dough into two portions and let them rest for an additional 10 minutes.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 3
Step 4

Roll out each dough ball into a sheet approximately 2mm thick.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 4
Step 5

Cut the dough sheets into squares about 3x3cm, or adjust the size to your preference for the dumplings.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 5
Step 6

Combine the well-drained cherries with 1-2 tablespoons each of flour and sugar.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 6
Step 7

Place 2-3 cherry pieces at the center of each dough square. Then, pick up two corners of the square and seal the edges together to create a dumpling.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 7
Step 8

Continue this process until all the dough is used. Place the formed dumplings on a flour-dusted surface.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 8
Step 9

Boil 3-4 liters of water with a pinch of salt in a large pot.

Once boiling, add the dumplings and let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 9
Step 10

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the dumplings to a bowl and drizzle with a bit of oil. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid oil, you can pour the sweet cherry juice (from the drained cherries) over the dumplings and mix well, which will give the dough a pink hue.

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 10
Step 11

Here's the final dish, lightly greased with oil and garnished with a sprinkle of sugar when served.

Enjoy your Traditional Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings!

Moldovan Sour Cherry Dumplings - Step 11
Quantity: 1 kg ()
Prep time:
30 min
Difficulty: intermediate
Ready in: 60 min