Apple Dumplings (Saparchan Dumplings)

Ingredients

• 1 pound Apples (Finely chopped. Originally '1 ratal'.)
• 1/2 cup Sugar (Originally '1/4 ratal' (approx 4 oz).)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (Softened. Originally '2.5 tolas' (approx 1 oz).)
• 1/2 cup Milk (Originally '1/4 sher' (approx 1/2 cup).)
• 6 whole Eggs
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest (Finely chopped peel of 1 lemon.)
• 2 cups Dry breadcrumbs (Quantity estimated. Use enough to form a stiff dough.)
• 8 cups Water (For boiling.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (For the boiling water.)

Instructions

1. 1Finely chop the apples and the lemon peel. Ensure the butter is softened.
2. 2Break the eggs into a large bowl. Using a fork or whisk, beat them vigorously until they become stiff and frothy.
3. 3Add the chopped apples, sugar, butter, milk, and lemon zest to the beaten eggs. Mix well. Gradually add dry breadcrumbs, mixing continuously, until the mixture becomes stiff enough to hold its shape and form balls.
4. 4Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the salt. While the water heats, shape the stiff dough into small balls. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook until they are firm and float to the surface, approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.