Snails with nuts

Nut Rolls: a delicacy that combines the fluffy texture of dough with the sweet and crunchy walnut filling. This recipe, inspired by the tradition of pastry baking, will not only bring you the satisfaction of creating something delicious but also the warmth of childhood memories, when the scent of sweetness and walnut filled the house. Start your culinary adventure and let the aroma of these rolls carry you away!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 18 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 12 rolls

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 400 grams of flour (choose a good quality flour, ideal for baking)
- 1/3 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 10 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of margarine (you can use butter for a richer taste)
- 1/2 cup of oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can experiment with olive oil for a different flavor)
- 1 cup of lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 100 grams of ground walnuts (freshly ground walnuts provide a more intense flavor)
- 100 grams of sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences, or replace it with brown sugar for a caramelized note)
- 1 egg white for brushing (this will help achieve a golden crust on the rolls)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the starter: In a large bowl, place the flour. In the center of the flour, form a small well and add the crumbled yeast. Pour the lukewarm water over the yeast, ensuring it is completely covered. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit for 30 minutes. This is when the yeast will start to ferment, forming a fluffy starter.

2. Kneading the dough: After the starter has risen, add the salt and mix well. Then, incorporate the margarine and oil, kneading the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This process takes about 5-10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Resting the dough: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with oil. Cover it with a towel and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes. This will improve the texture of the dough and make it easier to roll out.

4. Preparing the filling: In the meantime, mix the ground walnuts with the sugar in a small bowl. This combination will become the perfect filling for your rolls and will add a crunchy and sweet note.

5. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has rested in the refrigerator, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thick sheet of about 5 mm. Make sure to use a well-floured rolling pin to avoid sticking.

6. Filling and rolling: Evenly sprinkle the walnut and sugar mixture over half of the dough sheet. Then, carefully roll the dough, forming a tight log. I recommend rolling it gently to avoid damaging the filling.

7. Cutting the rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into slices of about 3 cm. These will become delicious rolls, so make sure the cuts are even for uniform baking.

8. Preparing the baking tray: Grease a tray with margarine and dust it with flour to prevent the rolls from sticking. Place the slices of rolls in the tray, leaving a little space between them, as they will rise during baking.

9. Brushing the rolls: Beat the egg white with a fork until frothy. Using a pastry brush, brush each roll with this mixture. This step will give a golden and shiny crust.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is hot, place the tray with the rolls inside and bake for about 18 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy. You will know they are ready when they smell good and have a pleasant color.

11. Cooling and serving: After the rolls are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the tray, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect culinary experience.

Practical tips:
- If you want extra flavor, you can add a little cinnamon to the walnut mixture.
- For a more intense taste, you can lightly toast the walnuts before grinding them.
- If you don’t have time to wait, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the amount according to the instructions on the package.
- These rolls can be kept in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
These walnut rolls are not only delicious, but walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, being beneficial for heart and brain health. Additionally, the sugar can be adjusted or replaced to make them healthier, and the dough, depending on the ingredients used, can be a lighter option compared to other pastries or desserts.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts, which are just as tasty.
2. Is it possible to make these rolls vegan? Yes, replace the margarine with a vegan alternative and use a mixture of water and flour to replace the egg white.
3. How can I customize the recipe? You can add melted chocolate or dried fruits for a different variation.

Now that you have all the information, all that’s left is to get started! This quick and simple dessert will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and add a special touch to any meal. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough 400 grams of flour 1/3 cube of yeast 1 tablespoon of margarine 1/2 cup of oil 1 cup of warm water 1/2 teaspoon of salt For the filling 100 grams of ground walnuts 100 grams of sugar 1 egg white for brushing