Branzoici

Delicious Branzoici

With an inviting aroma that fills the house and a fluffy texture combined with a tasty filling, branzoici are a traditional dessert that skillfully blends simple ingredients to create an unforgettable culinary experience. This dish has been enjoyed for generations, bringing joy and nostalgia to festive tables and beyond. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the best branzoici, and at the end, I will teach you how to serve them to maximize the pleasure of taste.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 branzoici

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg wheat flour
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml warm milk
- 5 egg yolks (plus 1-2 for brushing)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 2 handfuls of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 2 packets of butter (or margarine) the size of a walnut (approximately 200 g)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Salt, enough to fit in the palm of your hand
- A handful of oil (approximately 50 ml)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg sweet cottage cheese (drained)
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- A handful of semolina (approximately 100 g)

Steps for preparing branzoici:

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk, adding 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix well to ensure the yeast activates correctly.

2. In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast milk mixture into this well and gently mix with some of the flour. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

3. Once the dough has started to rise, add the 5 egg yolks, soft butter, sugar, lemon zest, and continue kneading. The dough will be soft but not too sticky. If you feel it is too stiff, you can add a little more warm milk to make it more elastic.

4. When it starts to bubble, add a handful of oil and knead for about 10 more minutes. Let the dough rise again, covered, for 30 minutes.

5. In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the sweet cottage cheese with the 3 egg yolks, vanilla sugar, and semolina. Make sure the filling is smooth and delicious.

6. After the dough has risen, take it out onto a working surface and stretch it with your hands, forming a rectangle. Cut it into strips about 3 cm wide, then cut each strip into squares of the desired size.

7. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square and fold it into a pouch, making sure the edges are well sealed.

8. Arrange the branzoici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with butter. Let them rise for another 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

9. Preheat the oven to 200°C. When the branzoici have risen, brush them with egg yolk for a golden and appetizing crust.

10. Bake at high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 30 minutes. When done, remove them from the oven and cover them with a towel and a bag, allowing them to cool slowly. This step will keep the branzoici soft and fluffy.

Tips and useful advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve an even dough.
- Check if the yeast is active by adding it to warm milk. If bubbles form, it’s ready!
- For an even more intense aroma, you can also add a little vanilla essence to the filling.
- If you prefer a fluffier filling, you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the cheese.

Nutritional benefits:
Branzoici are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the butter and sugar provide quick energy. It’s important to enjoy them in moderation, given their calorie content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different note.
- How can I store branzoici?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them for a longer time.

Serving suggestions:
Branzoici go perfectly with a sour cream sauce or a fruit syrup. You can also serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect snack.

Now that you have all the information, prepare your ingredients and enjoy the cooking process. Your branzoici will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 5 egg yolks (+ 1 yolk or 2 for brushing on top), salt to taste, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 2 pieces of butter or margarine the size of a walnut, grated zest of one lemon, 2 handfuls of sugar (when I say a handful of..., think of the amount you take in your hand from the package), 1 handful of oil (as much as you pour into your cupped palm), 30 g fresh yeast, milk. Filling: 1 kg sweet cottage cheese (drained), 3 egg yolks, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 1 handful of semolina.