The pastries (pogacis) are tender

Tender Pogacele Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20

Discover the joy of cooking with this simple and delicious recipe for tender pogacele. These fluffy snacks are perfect for any occasion: from a festive meal to a simple snack among friends. With a soft texture and wonderful taste, pogacele will surely win you over.

Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 000)
- 250 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 150 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg yolk for brushing (optional)
- Sesame or poppy seeds for decoration (optional)

Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a glass with warm milk, add fresh yeast and a tablespoon of flour. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This step is crucial, as the activated yeast will make the pogacele fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, place the remaining flour, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture. Melt the margarine (or butter) and let it cool slightly before adding it to the bowl. Incorporate the egg and mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

Step 3: Proofing the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30 minutes. The dough should double in volume.

Step 4: Shaping the pogacele
After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured work surface. Roll it out to about 1 cm thick. Use a glass or cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.

Step 5: Brushing and decorating
If desired, you can brush the pogacele with egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for a more attractive appearance and a crunchy taste.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pogacele for about 20-30 minutes, or until they become golden and fluffy. You will know they are ready when they emit a tempting aroma and sound hollow when tapped lightly.

Step 7: Serving
Let the pogacele cool slightly on a rack before serving. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them plain or with various fillings, such as cheese, olives, or even jams for a unique appetizer.

Variations:
To add a personal touch, you can incorporate different herbs into the dough, such as dill or oregano. You can also experiment with various fillings, using feta cheese, mushrooms, or sautéed vegetables to create stuffed pogacele.

These tender pogacele are perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal choice for a quick and tasty snack. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, maybe an additional 3-4 tablespoons (I used regular flour, without leavening agents), 250 g margarine (or butter), 40 g regular sugar (about 6 teaspoons), 15 g salt (about 4 teaspoons), a quarter cup of warm milk, 15 g dry yeast (I used Pakmaya, it's great), 1 egg.