Introduction
In the world of baking, we often discover tricks and techniques that are passed down from generation to generation. One of those well-kept secrets is mixing milk with vinegar to make a surprisingly moist and fluffy bread. This trick, popularized by grandmothers in the 1970s, has once again gained popularity in today’s kitchen thanks to its extraordinary results. The combination of common ingredients like milk, vinegar, and others can turn your homemade breads into moist and delicious treats. In this article, we will guide you to make this very special bread.
Fluffy Ricotta-Stuffed Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 ml of Milk
- 7 g of dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar or vanilla essence
- 80 ml of oil
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 egg
- 500 g of flour
- A pinch of salt
- Ricotta cheese (1 packet)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
We start this special recipe by mixing warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar. Then add the dry yeast and mix well. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. This combination will be an essential element to achieve the spongy effect of the dough.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
To the milk and vinegar mixture, add 80 ml of oil and crack an egg, separating the white from the yolk. For now, add only the white and reserve the yolk for later.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift 500 g of flour (about 2 cups and a little more) and add it to the mixture. Add a pinch of salt and mix well until you have an even dough. This mixture should be manageable but not sticky.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a deep bowl previously greased with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let sit in a warm place for 30 minutes. After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Then, divide each of these parts into 5 smaller parts. Form each piece into balls and let them rest, covered, for about 10 minutes.
Fill and Bake
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
Stretch the buns with a rolling pin until they have a diameter of 8 to 10 cm. Place a portion of ricotta in the center of each circle and seal them by bringing the edges together. Grease a baking sheet and place the buns, seam side down.
Step 6: Final Touches
Mix a tablespoon of milk with the yolk you had set aside. Let the cakes rest under plastic wrap for 20 minutes and then spread each cake with the egg and milk mixture.
Step 7: Bake the Dumplings
Put the buns in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake until golden brown. The use of this mixture of milk and vinegar is truly the secret of this recipe, which takes us back to the nostalgia of our grandmothers’ kitchens. The result is a soft and spongy bread, with an exceptional taste thanks to the ricotta and the spongy character of the dough. Make it at home and surprise your family with this delicious recipe that has stood the test of time.
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Ricotta-Stuffed Dumplings
- Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm but not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast, while cold milk will slow down the fermentation process.
- Sifting Flour: Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, making the dough lighter and fluffier.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting periods. Allowing the dough to rest ensures that it rises properly, resulting in a spongier texture.
- Sealing the Dumplings: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the ricotta filling from leaking out during baking.
- Egg Wash: The egg and milk wash not only gives the dumplings a beautiful golden color but also adds a slight shine to the finished product.
FAQs
Can I use any other type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or any other soft cheese that you prefer.
Can I make this recipe without vinegar?
Vinegar helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a nice rise. If you prefer not to use vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon juice.
How should I store the leftover dumplings?
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser compared to using all-purpose flour.
How do I know when the dumplings are done baking?
The dumplings are done when they turn a golden brown color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.