Plăcintă cu prune

The name might sound intimidating, but it simply means Plum Pie. It is a traditional and very popular Romanian dessert that is consumed during the summer and early autumn when plums are in season.

Any type of black-skinned plum can be used, although the most common one has yellow flesh. However, it also works with plums with dark flesh. Just make sure that whichever you use, it is fresh and ripe but not too soft.

Romania is one of the world's main producers of plums. Plums are consumed fresh in the country, as well as in pies, jams, and they are also used to make a famous liquor called Tuică (in this case, using very ripe fruit so that no additional sugar is needed).

This pie is very easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

• 500 grams (18 oz) of white wheat flour
• 250 grams (9 oz) of unsalted butter
• 200 ml (one cup) of warm water (a regular glass of water)
• A pinch of salt

For the filling:

• Fresh plums (enough to cover the dough)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Cinnamon powder (optional)
• Powdered sugar

In a large bowl, mix the flour and a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter in cubes and mix with your hands until you get a sandy texture.

Gradually add the warm water, kneading until you form a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for approximately 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, wash and pit the plums (it is rare to peel them). Cut them in half or quarters. A good measure is to taste the fruit. If it's not very sweet, it's advisable to sprinkle a good amount of powdered sugar. If the fruit is sweet or very sweet, this would be optional.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).

Divide the dough into two parts, one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger part with a rolling pin until you get a thin layer and place it in a greased pie mold.

Sprinkle sugar over the dough and place the pitted plums on top, distributing them evenly. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder over the plums if desired.

Roll out the other part of the dough with the rolling pin and place it on top of the plums. Seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or using a fork.

Make small cuts on the top of the dough to allow steam to escape during baking. This is usually done to make the fruit "peek" and have a more appetizing appearance.

Bake the Plăcintă cu prune for approximately 45 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, it's done.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving if, as mentioned before, the fruit is not very sweet or simply because you desire it.

This pie is a true delight and as you can see, it's very easy to make, especially now that plums are starting to appear in the markets.