Political bread

Ekmek Politico: A Delicacy with a Story

When it comes to desserts, few dishes tell a story as captivating as Ekmek Politico. This cake is a harmonious blend of sweet bread, syrup, smooth cream, and a hint of cinnamon that will delight your senses and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you choose to use leftover sweet bread from the holidays or prepare fresh dough, Ekmek Politico is a perfect choice for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 160 g sweet bread flour
- 12 g dry yeast
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 20 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 g well-drained yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon mahleb powder (optional, but recommended for an aromatic flavor)

For the cream:
- 100 g well-drained yogurt
- 250 g cream cheese
- 150 g canned peaches (diced)
- 1 tablespoon brandy (for extra flavor)

For the syrup:
- 500 g sugar
- 350 g water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A few drops of lemon juice

For serving:
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon (for decoration)

The Story of Ekmek Politico

Ekmek Politico has its origins in the tradition of using leftover ingredients from festive meals, transforming them into unforgettable delights. This cake is a perfect example of culinary creativity, based on a dough similar to sweet bread but with a softer and moister texture due to the syrup that soaks it. It’s an excellent choice for impressing guests or accompanying a fragrant coffee.

Step by Step - Your Guide to Making Ekmek Politico

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the dry yeast in 4 tablespoons of warm water. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This process is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a bowl, combine the activated yeast with 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, learn to prepare the dough mixture. In a mixer, beat the melted butter, sugar, egg, milk, yogurt, vanilla, and, optionally, the lemon zest. Add mahleb if you desire a unique aromatic flavor.

3. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, place the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Add the wet ingredient mixture and knead well until you obtain an elastic, smooth, and slightly sticky dough. If needed, add a little more flour. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

4. Preparing the baking pan: Meanwhile, grease a round baking pan (about 24 cm) with butter. Once the dough has risen, transfer it to the pan and spread it evenly. Let it double in size for another 20 minutes.

5. Baking the dough: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the dough for 20 minutes at 160°C, then remove it and use a toothpick to poke holes in it (this step will allow the syrup to absorb better). Return it to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes until golden and well-baked. Let it cool completely.

6. Preparing the cream: In a blender, mix the yogurt with the cream cheese until you obtain a smooth mixture. Add the diced peaches and brandy, blending again to combine all the ingredients.

7. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, mix the sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and a few drops of lemon juice. Boil the ingredients for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.

8. Soaking the dough: Using a toothpick, poke holes in the cooled dough. With a spoon, pour the warm syrup over the dough, ensuring it absorbs evenly. Let it sit for 2 hours to soak up all the delicious syrup.

9. Assembling the dessert: Once the dough has absorbed the syrup, spread the cream cheese mixture on top and add a layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle cinnamon on top for an attractive appearance and aromatic flavor.

10. Chilling and serving: Place Ekmek Politico in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This step allows the flavors to develop and makes the dessert easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Ekmek Politico is ideally served with a generous topping of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can accompany this delicacy with a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea, which will perfectly complement the sweet and aromatic flavor of the cake.

Tips and Variations

If you want to put your personal touch on the recipe, you can experiment with different canned fruits, such as pineapple or cherries. You can also replace the brandy with a fruit liqueur for a different flavor. Another idea is to add shredded coconut to the cream for an interesting texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover sweet bread?
Yes, Ekmek Politico is an excellent way to utilize leftover sweet bread. Slice it and soak it just as you would with fresh dough.

2. What other toppings can I use?
In addition to whipped cream and cinnamon, you can add chopped nuts or grated chocolate for an extra texture and flavor.

3. How can I store Ekmek Politico?
It keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best flavors.

Nutrition and Calories

Ekmek Politico is a rich dessert, but when consumed in moderation, it can be included in a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, while the cream cheese and yogurt add a protein boost.

In conclusion, Ekmek Politico is a delicious and comforting choice, perfect for bringing joy at any time of the day. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. So go ahead, put on your apron, and get ready to impress! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 160 g flour for sweet bread, 12 g dry yeast, 4 tablespoons warm water, 50 g butter, 20 g sugar, 1 egg, 50 g well-drained yogurt, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 vanilla pod, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground mahleb. For the cream: 100 g well-drained yogurt, 250 g cream cheese, 150 g canned peaches, 1 tablespoon brandy. For the syrup: 500 g sugar, 350 g water, 1 cinnamon stick, a few drops of lemon juice. For serving: Whipped cream, cinnamon.