When it comes to cooking with prunes, many people think they’re only good for sweet dishes like jams and preserves. But these dried plums are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of both sweet and savory recipes. From classic desserts like tarts and bread puddings to hearty main courses like stews and roasted meats, prunes add a depth of flavor and chewy texture that’s hard to beat.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious prune recipes that showcase the fruit’s many uses. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a savory meal, there’s something on this list for everyone. So let’s get started!
Prune and Walnut Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dinner with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the natural sweetness of prunes with the earthy flavor of walnuts. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together prunes, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the prune-walnut mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Moroccan Tagine with Prunes and Apricots
This traditional Moroccan stew, also known as a tagine, is a sweet and savory blend of spices, prunes, and apricots. Serve over couscous for a flavorful and aromatic meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken thighs or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup prunes, pitted
– 1 cup apricots, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large clay or ceramic tagine (or Dutch oven) over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add meat, prunes, apricots, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Prune and Almond Energy Balls
These bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of prunes with the crunch of almonds, making them a perfect pick-me-up for busy days. With only 5 ingredients, they’re also incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted prunes
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, blend the prunes, oats, and almonds until well combined.
2. Add the honey and chia seeds; process until a sticky dough forms.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These energy balls are best served chilled, so store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Prune and Almond Energy Balls!
Classic Prune and Armagnac Tart
This rich and indulgent tart combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for special occasions or as a unique dessert to impress your guests. The combination of tender prunes, caramelized sugar, and the depth of Armagnac makes for an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup pitted prunes
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons Armagnac (or other fortified wine)
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together prunes and sugar.
4. Arrange the prune mixture in a spiral pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Dot the prunes with butter and drizzle with Armagnac.
6. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for glazing.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Prune and Apple Compote
This sweet and tangy compote is perfect as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or as a side dish for pork or poultry. The combination of prunes, apples, and warm spices creates a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried prunes, pitted
– 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or sweet variety)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup apple cider or water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine prunes, apples, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add apple cider or water to cover the mixture.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until the fruit is tender.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Prune and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of prunes with the richness of dark chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a hearty oatmeal base.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in oats, prunes, baking soda, and salt.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Prunes
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting slow-cooked beef stew infused with the sweetness of prunes. This classic recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 prunes, pitted and chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine beef cubes, onion, garlic, beef broth, red wine, prunes, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Prune and Orange Glazed Ham
This recipe combines the classic flavors of ham with the sweet and tangy notes of prunes and orange, resulting in a deliciously glazed ham perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine prunes, orange marmalade, brown sugar, honey, mustard, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer with a sharp knife.
4. Brush the prune-orange glaze all over the ham, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Roast the ham for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size of your ham.
Prune and Cinnamon Swirl Bread
This moist and flavorful bread combines the natural sweetness of prunes with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, and prunes to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangle.
7. Mix melted butter and cinnamon, then spread evenly over the dough.
8. Roll the dough into a log, cut into 12 equal pieces, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Prune-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
This recipe adds a surprising twist to the classic pork tenderloin by stuffing it with sweet prunes and savory herbs. The result is a dish that’s both tender and flavorful, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together prunes, honey, garlic, and thyme.
3. Make a horizontal incision in the pork tenderloin, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the prune mixture into the incision, spreading it evenly along the length of the tenderloin.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the pork and roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Prune and Ginger Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie combines the natural sweetness of prunes with the spicy warmth of ginger, perfect for a healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pitted prunes
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the prunes, ginger, banana, and yogurt to a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey to taste and blend until well combined.
4. If desired, add ice cubes and blend until crushed for a thicker texture.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required!
Prune and Blue Cheese Salad
This sweet and savory salad combines the natural sweetness of prunes with the pungency of blue cheese, perfect for a quick and refreshing meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted prunes
– 4 oz blue cheese crumbles (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and prunes.
2. Crumble the blue cheese over the top of the salad and sprinkle with nuts.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Prune and Brandy Bread Pudding
This decadent dessert combines the sweetness of prunes with the depth of brandy, creating a moist and flavorful bread pudding that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brandy (or substitute with dark rum or whiskey)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, prunes, sugar, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Prune and Caramelized Onion Flatbread
Prune and Caramelized Onion Flatbread Recipe
Elevate your flatbread game with this sweet and savory combination of prunes and caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1/2 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough on a floured surface and roll out to desired thickness.
5. Top with caramelized onions, prunes, and honey.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Note: To caramelize onions, cook 1 large onion in olive oil over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dark golden brown.
Prune and Hazelnut Granola Bars
These chewy granola bars combine the natural sweetness of prunes with the earthy flavor of hazelnuts, perfect for a quick snack or energy boost.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup puffed rice cereal
– 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 1/4 cup prunes, chopped
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, puffed rice cereal, hazelnuts, and prunes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, coconut oil, and salt. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Prune and Rosemary Roasted Lamb
This recipe combines the rich flavors of lamb with the sweet and savory notes of prunes and rosemary, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 leg of lamb (about 2 lbs), bone-in
– 1/4 cup pitted prunes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together prunes, olive oil, and rosemary.
3. Season the lamb leg with salt and pepper, then rub the prune-rosemary mixture all over the lamb, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the lamb on a roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (145°F/63°C for medium-rare).
5. Let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Prune and Dark Chocolate Truffles
Transform prunes and dark chocolate into decadent treats with this simple recipe. Rich and indulgent, these truffles are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet surprise.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted prunes
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Soak the prunes in a bowl of hot water for at least 30 minutes or until they’re soft and rehydrated.
2. Drain and blend the prunes with the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
4. Fold the prune mixture into the melted chocolate until well combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Prune and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Elevate your ice cream game with this unique and delicious combination of prunes and vanilla bean. The sweetness of the vanilla pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the prunes, creating a one-of-a-kind flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup prune puree (see note)
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the prune puree and vanilla bean.
3. Let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time) + churning time
Summary
Get ready to rediscover the humble prune! This versatile fruit can be used in a wide range of sweet and savory dishes, from main courses to desserts. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious recipes that showcase prunes’ unique flavor and texture. From classic tart and cookies to bold tagines and savory stews, there’s something for every palate. Try prune and walnut stuffed chicken, slow-cooked beef stew with prunes, or even prune and dark chocolate truffles. The possibilities are endless!
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