Polish Powidla Sliwkowe Recipe – Smoked Plum Butter
Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of homemade Powidla Sliwkowe – Plum Butter. Made on a smoker with a touch of lavender flowers, honey, and orange juice, this powidła sliwkowe recipe offers a modern twist on traditional Polish plum fruit butter.
Powidła śliwkowe are a traditional Polish spread made by slow-cooking Italian plums for hours until they reduce into a thick, rich, naturally sweet jam. This plum jam is often used in pastries like pierniki (gingerbread), or simply spread on bread with butter. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or an impressive homemade gift!
Why you will love Powidla Sliwkowe
Unique Flavor – the smoky element combined with lavender, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon adds a complexity that sets it apart from traditional plum preserves. The result is a sweet, floral, citrusy delicious spread.
Versatile – powidła sliwkowe are not just for toast! Their versatility shines as a filling for pastries, topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or even as an accompaniment to savory dishes like cheeses or roasted meats.
Seasonal appeal – with cinnamon, citrus, and smoky flavors, this spread is perfect for the fall and winter months, offering the cozy, comforting flavors people crave during these seasons.
Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Italian Plums – these small, dark purple fresh plums are traditionally used in making powidła because they are less juicy and more concentrated in flavor, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the honey and orange. Ensure the plums are ripe but not overly soft. Underripe plums can be too tart, while overripe ones may have too much moisture, resulting to cooking for a long time. If Italian plums are unavailable, you can use can experiment with a variety of plum types such as Hungarian Plums, Damson Plum, or Prune Plums. You can also use regular plums in a pinch, but the consistency may be thinner due to their higher water content.
Honey – adds a floral, earthy sweetness that complements the lavender and enhances the natural flavors of the plums without overpowering them. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its flavor and avoid burning. You can substitute brown sugar or maple syrup. If using sugar, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to maintain consistency. For a refined sugar-free option, agave syrup works as well.
Orange Juice – adds a bright citrus note, enhancing the plums’ tartness while balancing the sweetness of the honey. Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor. Adjust the amount based on how much citrus zing you want. You can replace it with lemon juice for a sharper, more acidic flavor or use apple cider vinegar for a less sweet alternative that still brings acidity.
Cinnamon – adds a warming, spicy flavor that deepens and complements the smoky element. If using a cinnamon stick, remove it before blending or mashing the powidła for a smoother texture. Swap with nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different warming spice profile. You can also use a mix of spices like pumpkin spice if you want more complexity.
Orange Zest – adds a fresh, vibrant citrus note, enhancing the fragrance and flavor of the powidła. It complements the lavender beautifully. Be sure to zest only the orange skin (no white pith) to avoid bitterness. You can swap lemon zest for a sharper, more tangy flavor. Alternatively, try lime zest for a more tropical twist.
Lavender Petals – bring a light, floral note to the powidła, making it more sophisticated and fragrant. It pairs exceptionally well with both the orange and cinnamon. Use lavender sparingly, as too much can make the dish taste soapy or overpowering. Ground petals ensure the texture remains smooth. If lavender isn’t available, you can omit it or replace it with a small amount of vanilla extract or rosewater for a different floral note.
Equipment you will need
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Blender, immersion blender or food processor
- Fine Mesh Strainer (optional)
- Smoking Equipment (for the smoky version)
- Citrus Zester or Microplane
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Top Tips for best tasting Powidla Sliwkowe
Use ripe plums – choose ripe but firm Italian plums for the best flavor. If they’re underripe, the powidła may turn out too tart. Overripe plums can release too much water, making the cooking process longer. Properly ripened fruit ensures natural sweetness and a balanced flavor without excess moisture.
Cook low and slow – stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Slow cooking allows the plums to break down and intensifies the flavors, resulting in a thick, concentrated spread.
Mash or blend for desired texture – use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or a blender for a smooth consistency. Mash the plums as they soften, but avoid over-pureeing if you want a more rustic spread.
Add honey toward the end – since honey can burn easily, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking once the plums have mostly reduced. Adding honey later ensures it sweetens the powidła without caramelizing or losing its natural flavor.
Use fresh orange zest and juice – use freshly grated orange zest and juice for the best flavor. Add the zest early for fragrance, but reserve the juice to adjust sweetness and acidity near the end. Fresh zest enhances the citrus notes without overpowering the plums, while juice helps balance the sweetness and tang.
Go easy on lavender – use lavender sparingly—1 teaspoon is enough for a subtle floral note. If using ground lavender, ensure it’s finely ground to avoid bitterness or overpowering flavors. Lavender can easily dominate the other flavors, so a little goes a long way.
Monitor the smoking process – if you’re using a smoker, keep the heat low (225°F/107°C) and use mild fruitwoods like apple or cherry. Check frequently to avoid over smoking. A delicate smoke flavor enhances the powidła, but too much can overpower the fruit and floral notes.
Stir frequently – stir the plums regularly, especially as the mixture thickens, to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pot. Even cooking and stirring prevent hot spots and ensure the powidła doesn’t scorch.
Taste and adjust – especially toward the end. Based on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness with more honey or balance the acidity with extra orange juice. The balance of sweet, tangy, and floral flavors is key.
Let powidła cool – Let the powidła cool slightly before sealing the jars (if using this method) to avoid condensation inside the jars, which could affect texture and shelf life. Cooling ensures the jar seals properly and prevents water from affecting the consistency of your powidła.
Step-by-step instructions
- Wash, pitt and cut the plums.
- Add the prepared plums into the Dutch oven along with the orange juice.
- Use fruitwood like apple, cherry, or even plum wood for a subtle and complementary smoke flavor. These woods will enhance the sweetness without overpowering the lavender and orange notes.
- Keep the smoker at a low temperature—200-225°F (93-107°C)—to gently infuse the plums with smoke while they cook down.
- Smoke the plums for about 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This will give them enough time to absorb the smoky flavor while they soften.
- After smoking, transfer the pot to the stove to finish cooking down to the desired consistency. This allows you to control the texture while keeping the smoke flavor intact.
- In the last 30 minutes of stovetop cooking, stir in honey, ground lavender, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest. This will create a beautiful blend of floral, citrus, and smoke.
- After you reach the desired consistency – thickness, you can process the powder using a food processor or immersion blender for a smoother texture.
How to best enjoy Powidla Sliwkowe
Spread on toast or bread – or use it as a filling for sweet breads like babka or sweet buns.
Pair with cheese or charcuterie board
Filling for pastries, doughnuts (Polish paczki), cakes or pierogis
Swirl into natural yogurt, oatmeal or homemade granola
Top pancakes or homemade waffles
As a meat glaze – brush powidła onto roasted meats like pork, duck, or chicken as a glaze.
Serve with ice cream.
Pair powidła with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. It works great as a side dish glaze for a savory meal.
Stir a small spoonful of powidła into your favorite cocktail, like a whiskey sour or gin and tonic, for a fruity, smoky twist.
Spread cream cheese on a cracker and top it with a dollop of powidła for a quick and delicious snack.
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Storage instructions, reheating
Room Temperature:
- If you don’t mind using powidła at room temperature or cold, take it out of the fridge/freezer and use it as is. The spread thickens when cold, so stirring may be needed after refrigeration.
Microwave (For Small Amounts):
- Warm a spoonful of powidła in a microwave-safe dish for about 15-20 seconds. Stir well to even out the heat.
Stovetop (For Larger Quantities):
- Reheat the powidła on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning. If it seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water or juice.
Oven Reheating (In a Dish):
- For a smoky flavor boost, stirring halfway, you could reheat a portion in the oven at low heat (300°F / 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Polish Powidla Sliwkowe
Equipment
- large pot, Dutch oven
- wooden spoon, spatula
- blender, food processor
- fine mesh strainer
- smoker or use stove top
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 pounds Italian plums
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 2 cinnamon stick
- Orange zest
- 1 tsp of ground lavender petals
Instructions
- Wash, pitt and cut the plums.
- Use fruitwood like apple, cherry, or even plum wood for a subtle and complementary smoke flavor. These woods will enhance the sweetness without overpowering the lavender and orange notes.
- Keep the smoker at a low temperature—200-225°F (93-107°C)—to gently infuse the plums with smoke while they cook down.
- Smoke the plums for about 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This will give them enough time to absorb the smoky flavor while they soften.
- After smoking, transfer the pot to the stove to finish cooking down to the desired consistency. This allows you to control the texture while keeping the smoke flavor intact.
- In the last 30 minutes of stovetop cooking, stir in honey, ground lavender, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest. This will create a beautiful blend of floral, citrus, and smoke.
Notes
Nutrition
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Conclusion
Smoky Lavender & Orange Powidła Sliwkowe are not just about preserving fruit; it’s an experience that infuses your kitchen with delightful aromas and flavors. This unique twist on a Polish tradition brings together the rich sweetness of Italian plums, the fragrant notes of lavender, and the bright zing of orange.
Whether you enjoy it spread on warm toast, as a filling for pastries, or drizzled over your favorite dishes, homemade powidła will elevate your culinary creations. So gather your ingredients, embrace the slow cooking process, and indulge in the satisfaction of crafting your very own jars of plum butter.
FAQ
What are Powidła Sliwkowe?
Powidła are a traditional Polish fruit preserve specifically made from Italian plums. They are cooked down into a thick, spreadable consistency without added pectin. Powida often have a rich, concentrated flavor and can be sweetened with sugar or honey.
How long does powidła last?
Powidła can last up to 1 year in a cool, dark place when properly canned. They will typically last 3-4 weeks if stored in the refrigerator. Frozen powidła can be kept for up to 6 months.
Can I use other fruits besides plums?
Absolutely! While Italian plums are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like apricots, cherries, or even a mix of fruits to create unique flavors. Just be aware that different fruits may require adjustments in cooking time and sweetness.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the powidła?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or sugar according to your taste. Consider adding ripe fruit or a splash of fruit juice for a more natural sweetness.
Do I have to smoke the powidła?
No, smoking is optional but adds a unique flavor. You can skip this step if you prefer a more traditional taste. Simmer the plums on the stove top until thickened to achieve classic powidła.
How can I tell when my powidła are done?
The powidła are ready when they have reduced to a thick, spreadable consistency. You can test this by placing a spoonful on a plate; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s done.
Can I make powidła without added sugar?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid sugar, you can rely on the fruit’s natural sweetness and use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener, adjusting to your taste.
What are the health benefits of powidła?
Powidła made from plums are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They can be a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of fruit while adding a unique twist to your meals.
How can I customize my powidła?
Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger, citrus zest, or herbs like lavender to create a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different sweeteners and additional fruits for a personal touch.
