5 Delicious Plum Recipes You Must Try

The humble plum is a versatile fruit that can be transformed into a variety of delightful dishes. Whether you're looking to expand your culinary repertoire or simply make the most of your seasonal fruit haul, these plum recipes are bound to tantalize your taste buds. From savory to sweet, here are five delectable plum dishes you absolutely must try.

1. Plum and Thyme Chutney

Start your journey into plum-based cuisine with this Plum and Thyme Chutney. It's the perfect accompaniment to cheese boards, roasted meats, or even as a sandwich spread.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 kg ripe plums, pitted and chopped
  • 200 g brown sugar
  • 200 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 40-50 minutes or until the chutney thickens.
  2. Remove the cinnamon stick, season with salt and pepper, and let it cool.
  3. Pour into sterilized jars for storage.

🌟 Note: This chutney can be canned for longer shelf life, just ensure you follow proper canning procedures.

2. Spicy Plum Glazed Pork

Turn ordinary pork into an exotic feast with this Spicy Plum Glazed Pork recipe, where the sweet tartness of plums meets the heat of chili.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 pork chops or pork tenderloin
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp plum jam or fresh plum puree
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or chili sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Season pork with salt and pepper.
  2. Mix soy sauce, plum jam, honey, sriracha, garlic, and ginger to make the glaze.
  3. Brown pork in a skillet, then brush the glaze over the pork.
  4. Roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pork is done, occasionally basting with more glaze.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the chili sauce to your heat tolerance. The spice can be dialed down or up as preferred.

3. Plum and Almond Cake

Move from savory to sweet with this delectable Plum and Almond Cake, which highlights the beauty and flavor of plums in a light, nutty cake base.

• Ingredients:
  • 200 g butter, softened
  • 200 g sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 100 g ground almonds
  • 100 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 4-5 ripe plums, sliced
  • Almond flakes for topping
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9-inch cake tin with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time.
  3. Fold in the ground almonds, flour, and baking powder.
  4. Pour the batter into the tin, arrange plum slices on top, and sprinkle with almond flakes.
  5. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

🌰 Note: Using ground almonds gives this cake a lovely moist texture and helps it to keep well for several days.

4. Plum Salsa

This Plum Salsa is an unexpected delight, perfect for adding a sweet and spicy twist to your usual meals. It's wonderful with fish, chicken, or as a dip for tortilla chips.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ripe plums, finely chopped
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Handful of cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Let the salsa sit for about 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5. Plum Sorbet

Conclude your culinary journey with a refreshing Plum Sorbet. This frozen treat is simplicity at its finest, making it an ideal dessert for hot summer days.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 kg plums, halved and pitted
  • 200 g sugar
  • 250 ml water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, combine plums, sugar, and water. Simmer until the plums are soft and mushy.
  2. Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove skin and seeds.
  3. Add lemon juice, chill, then churn in an ice cream maker or freeze in a shallow pan, stirring occasionally to break up ice crystals.

🍧 Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries! A few good stirs during the freezing process can yield a lovely granita-like texture.

In conclusion, these plum recipes offer a diverse range of flavors and applications, proving that plums can be more than just a snack. From savory chutneys to light desserts, incorporating plums into your diet not only enhances your culinary adventures but also provides a delicious way to enjoy their unique taste. Whether it's the warm comfort of a glazed pork or the cool delight of a plum sorbet, these recipes make the case for the plum to be a star ingredient in any kitchen. Try them out and let the sweetness of the season elevate your meals.

Can you use dried plums in these recipes?

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Yes, you can use dried plums (prunes) in some recipes. For the chutney or cake, rehydrate the prunes by soaking them in water before using, but remember that the flavor and texture will differ from fresh plums.

How can I tell when plums are ripe?

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Plums should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. They should also be fragrant, and the skin should yield to light pressure without bruising.

What are some health benefits of plums?

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Plums are rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamins A and C. They aid digestion, support heart health, and have anti-inflammatory properties.