Fasting Martyrs

Lenten martyrs with honey and walnuts – a traditional Moldovan recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20 martyrs

Lenten martyrs represent a simple yet extremely tasty dessert, perfect for fasting days or any occasion when you want to indulge in something sweet. This recipe for martyrs with honey and walnuts is not only delicious but also full of tradition. Let's discover together the steps to achieve the most aromatic martyrs!

Necessary ingredients:
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml warm water
- 100 g sugar
- 700 g flour
- 7 tablespoons of oil (heated)
- 1 vanilla essence
- a pinch of cinnamon
- grated zest of one lemon
- bee honey (for spreading)
- ground walnuts and brown sugar (for decoration)

Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by preparing the starter. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 250 ml of warm water and add 100 g of sugar. Mix well and let the composition sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential as the activated yeast will help the martyrs rise and become fluffy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the warmed oil (but not hot), vanilla essence, cinnamon, and grated lemon zest. All these ingredients will contribute to the perfect aroma of the martyrs. Add the activated starter and mix well. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 3: Letting it rise
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for obtaining fluffy and airy martyrs.

Step 4: Shaping the martyrs
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into equal pieces, each weighing about 50-60 g. Shape each piece into a long rope, then braid them into the shape of an 8 or a circle. Place the martyrs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the martyrs for 45 minutes or until they turn golden. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to allow for even baking.

Step 6: Finishing
After the martyrs are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, prepare a mixture of honey, ground walnuts, and brown sugar. Spread honey on each martyr and generously sprinkle the walnut and sugar mixture. This detail will not only give them a delicious taste but also a crunchy texture.

Serving suggestion:
Lenten martyrs can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of fragrant tea or a mug of plant-based milk. This dessert is perfect for enjoying with family or friends, bringing a touch of tradition and joy in every bite.

Variations:
If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the dough or replace the walnuts with ground almonds. You can also try different toppings, such as coconut flakes or grated dark chocolate for an intense flavor.

I wish you much success in preparing the Lenten martyrs and hope you enjoy every moment of this culinary process! This dessert will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a note of nostalgia and tradition to your kitchen.

 Ingredients: - fresh yeast cube (50g), - 250 ml warm water, - 100 g sugar, - 700 g flour, - 7 tablespoons heated oil, - 1 vanilla essence, - a pinch of cinnamon, - grated zest of one lemon, - honey for spreading; - ground walnuts and brown sugar for decoration

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