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Delicious Poale-n Bău Recipe: A Traditional Delight
I invite you to discover with me a recipe full of love and tradition: Poale-n Bău. These cheese-filled pastries are not only a tasty dish but also a true joy for the soul. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these pastries are perfect for any time of the day.
Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 40 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 15-16 pastries
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 250 ml)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 500-600 g white flour
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lard (or butter)
- 2-3 eggs (the whole recipe is tastier with fresh eggs)
For the filling:
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 200 g crumbled cheese (Botoșani cheese is ideal)
- Sugar to taste (2-3 tablespoons recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for a special flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
For brushing:
- 1 beaten egg
Recipe description:
Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a plastic bowl, add the yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of flour. These ingredients will help the yeast ferment. Pour in about 50-60 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and mix well. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit in a warm place for 10 minutes. You will notice that the yeast will start to bubble – this is a sign that it is active!
Step 2: Preparing the dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining flour, eggs, sugar, salt, lard at room temperature, and warm milk gradually. Start kneading the dough with your hands. If the dough is too soft, add a little flour gradually, and if it is too hard, add a little warm milk. Knead for at least 10 minutes. A useful trick is to use a drop of oil on your hands to prevent the dough from sticking. Cover the dough with a warm towel and let it rise until it doubles in volume (about 30 minutes).
Step 3: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients: cottage cheese, crumbled cheese, sugar, salt, lemon zest, rum essence, eggs, and sour cream. Make sure the mixture is well combined. If the cheese is too soft, you can add a little semolina or flour to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Forming the pastries
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface. Divide the dough into 15-16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a square of about 10 cm on each side. Add a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square. Bring together the opposite corners of the square, forming a pouch, as we like to say. Gently roll the top part and tuck it into the center of the pastry. It’s a fun moment, so don’t be afraid to play with the dough!
Step 5: Baking
Grease a baking tray with oil and place the pastries side by side. Beat the remaining egg and use a brush to glaze the pastries. Let them rise for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Bake the pastries for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and browned. After removing them from the oven, you can dust them with powdered sugar, but this is optional.
Serving suggestion:
Poale-n Bău are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them plain or alongside natural yogurt or sour cream for an extra creaminess. Additionally, a fragrant tea or a sweet white wine can perfectly complement the meal.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each pastry contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of sugar used. These pastries are rich in calcium due to the cheese and provide a good source of energy from the carbohydrates in the flour.
Tips and variations:
If you want a less sweet version, you can substitute the sugar in the filling with herbs and salty cheese. You can also try adding raisins or candied fruits for a sweeter taste.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but be sure to follow the instructions on the package for activation.
2. Can I freeze the pastries?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pastries. Make sure to place them in an airtight container and take them out a few hours before baking.
3. What type of cheese do you recommend for the filling?
Cottage cheese and crumbled cheese are ideal, but you can experiment with feta or ricotta for a different version.
I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen with your loved ones. Poale-n Bău are not just a pastry but a delicious story that has been passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: ingredients one cup of milk one cube 25 gr of yeast 500-600 gr of white flour 3-4 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste) 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2 large tablespoons of lard 2-3 eggs filling 200 gr of cottage cheese 200 gr of kneaded cheese (I had some from Botosani, very good) sugar to taste 1/2 teaspoon of salt grated lemon zest rum essence 2 eggs one tablespoon of sour cream additionally - one egg for brushing
