Belted skirt

Poale-n Brâu - A Delicious Indulgence for the Soul

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Short introduction

Poale-n brâu is a traditional delicacy that reminds us of the lavish meals at home, where the aroma of fresh cheese and vanilla filled the air. These fluffy pastries, filled with cottage cheese, are perfect for any time of the day - from a hearty breakfast to a sweet dessert. Although the recipe has been passed down through generations, each cook can add their personal touch, transforming it into a unique masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 100 g lard or butter
- 300 ml milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 4 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- 50 g sour cream
- 30 g semolina
- Zest of 1/2 lemon

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon sugar

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Sifting the flour - Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step helps to aerate the flour and achieve a fluffier dough.

2. Preparing the milk - Gently heat the milk, but it should not be hot, just warm. This helps to activate the yeast.

3. Activating the yeast - Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Add 3 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Let the mixture sit at room temperature until it doubles in volume (about 10-15 minutes). This is a crucial step to ensure that the dough rises beautifully.

4. Mixing the ingredients - In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Then add the activated yeast, lemon zest, and the remaining flour. Knead well until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Integrating the fat - Gently heat the lard or butter (it should not be completely melted) and pour a little over the dough while kneading. This will make the dough richer and tastier.

6. Letting it rise - Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 40-60 minutes, depending on the room temperature. It should double in size.

7. Preparing the filling - In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the 2 egg yolks, cooked and cooled semolina, sour cream, and lemon zest. This creamy filling is the secret that will make our pastries special.

8. Shaping the pastries - On a lightly oiled kitchen counter, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1 cm. Cut the dough into squares of 10x10 cm. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square and bring opposite corners over each other, forming a pouch.

9. Preparing for baking - Place the pastries in a greased baking tray. Beat an egg yolk with a tablespoon of sugar and brush each pastry well with this mixture to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

10. Baking - Preheat the oven to 150°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pastries for 10 minutes. After this time, increase the temperature to 180°C and continue baking until the pastries turn golden (about 20-30 minutes).

11. Cooling and serving - Let the pastries cool in the tray for a few minutes, then dust them with sugar before serving.

Tips and suggestions

- Vegan option: You can replace the cottage cheese with well-drained tofu mixed with a little lemon juice for a similar taste. Substitute the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed or chia seeds and water.
- Olive oil: If you want a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead of lard or butter.
- Serving: These pastries are delicious served warm, alongside a cup of natural yogurt or a fruit compote. A fragrant tea or a sweet wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional information

Each serving of poale-n brâu contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 6 g

This recipe is not just a treat but also a good source of energy, thanks to the carbohydrate content from flour and sugar, while the cottage cheese provides a boost of protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use goat cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese for a stronger flavor. Make sure to mix it well with the other ingredients to achieve a homogeneous filling.

2. How can I store the pastries?
They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with fillings made from grated apples with cinnamon, chocolate, or even savory fillings with cheese and spinach.

In conclusion, poale-n brâu is a recipe that brings joy and warmth in every bite. Don't hesitate to explore and play with the ingredients, transforming this classic recipe into your personal masterpiece. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 100 g lard or butter, 300 ml milk, 50 g fresh yeast, 4 egg yolks, 150 g sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, zest of 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract. Filling: 400 g cottage cheese, 2 egg yolks, 50 g sour cream, 30 g semolina, zest of 1/2 lemon. For brushing: 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon sugar.