Pogacele with cracklings
Pogacele with Bacon Recipe: A Savory Delight for Breakfast or Snack
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20 pogacele
Pogacele, those small savory treats, are a perfect choice for breakfast, a delicious snack, or even a savory appetizer for a gathering with friends. They are filled with a flavorful combination of pork cracklings and sour cream, giving them a crispy texture and rich taste. Over time, pogacele have become a symbol of hospitality, often served at festive meals but also on ordinary days to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones.
Ingredients needed:
- 600 g flour
- 400 g ground pork cracklings
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 egg yolks
- 300 ml sour cream
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 egg for brushing
- Cumin (optional, depending on preferences)
Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in the lukewarm milk. Make sure the milk is not hot, as excessive heat will kill the yeast. Add a handful of flour (about 50 g) and mix gently. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes in a warm place until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure your pogacele rise beautifully.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the remaining flour (550 g) with the ground pork cracklings. Add the salt, pepper, egg yolks, and sour cream. Once the yeast is activated, incorporate the yeast mixture into the bowl. Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and homogeneous. It is important to knead well to activate the gluten, which will give the pogacele a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Rising the dough
After the dough is well kneaded, cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise for 1 hour. It is normal for the dough not to rise much, considering the rich ingredients it contains.
Step 4: Rolling and folding the dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Fold the sheet into thirds, then repeat the folding process twice. This folding technique will help create delicate and airy layers in your pogacele.
Step 5: Shaping the pogacele
Let the dough rest for 15 minutes. Then, roll it out again into a sheet 1 cm thick. Use a knife to make small cuts on the surface and cut out circles with the help of a cutter or a floured glass. Arrange the pogacele on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between them to expand.
Step 6: Brushing and baking
Let the pogacele rest for 10 minutes. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Brush each pogace with the beaten egg and sprinkle cumin, if you choose to use it. This will add a pleasant aromatic note. Bake the pogacele for 20 minutes, or until they become golden and browned on top.
Step 7: Serving
After being taken out of the oven, let the pogacele cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, or even with a glass of natural yogurt for a nourishing breakfast.
Useful tips:
- If you don’t like cracklings, you can replace them with crumbled feta cheese or other fillings of your choice, such as olives or herbs.
- You can add spices like oregano or sweet paprika to the dough to give it an even more interesting flavor.
- Store the pogacele in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Nutritional information:
Pogacele with cracklings are rich in protein due to the meat and eggs content. Additionally, the sour cream adds a source of healthy fats. Each pogace has approximately 200 calories, depending on size and ingredients.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 10 g of dry yeast and add it directly to the flour.
2. How can I make the pogacele less greasy?
You can reduce the amount of cracklings or use poultry cracklings instead of pork.
3. How can I freeze the pogacele?
After they have completely cooled, you can place them in an airtight container and freeze them. When needed, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
I wish you much success in preparing these delicious pogacele! I hope they bring joy and flavor to your meals, and that each bite is a pleasant memory. Enjoy!
Ingredients: we need: 600 g flour 400 g ground pork cracklings 3 teaspoons of salt 1 teaspoon of pepper 3 egg yolks 300 ml sour cream 25 g yeast 100 ml warm milk 1 egg for brushing cumin...I didn't add it because the children don't like it
