Hajas ( Hajose )

Hajas (or Hajose) is a delicious recipe with deep roots in culinary tradition, combining the simplicity of ingredients with the refinement of preparation techniques. These delicate treats, filled with plum jam, are perfectly suited for any occasion, bringing a touch of nostalgia and comfort in every bite. Let's discover together how to prepare Hajas, step by step, to achieve a spectacular result!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25

Ingredients

- 1 kg flour type 000
- 750 g lard (haj)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- 300 ml sparkling water
- 200-250 g plum jam
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparing Hajas

Step 1: Preparing the lard

Start by chopping the lard using a meat grinder. This step is essential, as well-ground lard will give the dough a fine texture and an unmistakable flavor. Once you have a fine paste, add 250 g of flour and mix well. Form three equal-sized balls, which you can weigh to ensure they are evenly distributed. Set them aside and prepare for the next step.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, combine the remaining flour (750 g) with the egg, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Gradually add the sparkling water, a little at a time, kneading constantly. It is important to obtain an elastic dough, so don’t hesitate to put in a little more effort in kneading. At this stage, the dough should be smooth and not stick to your hands.

Step 3: Wrapping the dough

This is the most exciting part! Roll out the dough on a floured work surface until it reaches a thickness of about 1 cm. Take one of the lard balls and spread it evenly over the entire surface of the dough sheet. Now, it’s time to wrap: bring the top part of the sheet towards the center, then the bottom part, followed by the side edges. It is important to maintain the order in which you started, to ensure that the layering is done correctly.

Step 4: Resting the dough

After wrapping the dough, let it chill for 30 minutes. This resting time is essential to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough later. Why not take this time to browse a cookbook and get inspired for your future recipes?

Step 5: Repeating the process

After the 30 minutes have passed, take the dough out of the fridge and roll out another sheet of 1 cm thickness. Repeat the process of spreading with another lard ball and wrapping, followed by another 30-minute resting period in the fridge. This process is repeated three times, ensuring that each lard ball is used. Each round of resting and wrapping will help achieve a flaky and crumbly texture.

Step 6: Shaping and baking

After the last resting period, roll out the dough again to a thickness of 1 cm. Use a heated knife to cut the dough into squares or diamonds, depending on your preferences. Add a bit of plum jam in the center of each shape and carefully fold the dough, gently pressing the edges to seal them. Place the treats on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake Hajas in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until they become slightly golden and open up like flowers. It’s a spectacle to see them puff up during baking!

Step 7: Finishing

Once baked, take Hajas out of the oven and let them cool slightly. In the meantime, prepare the powdered sugar for decoration. When they are still warm, gently roll Hajas in the powdered sugar, being careful not to break them as they are very delicate. They are now ready to be enjoyed!

Useful tips

- Ingredient choice: Use quality lard, as it will influence the final taste of the dish. Lard can be replaced with butter, but the result will not be as authentic.
- Filling variations: Instead of plum jam, you can use apricot jam, blackberry, or even chocolate for a modern twist.
- Serving: These treats are excellent either warm or at room temperature. Served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, they will turn any moment into a special occasion.

Nutritional benefits

Hajas is a source of carbohydrates and healthy fats, thanks to the lard. Additionally, the plum jam adds a note of fiber and antioxidants, making these treats not just a delicious dessert but also a healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of flour?: It is recommended to use flour type 000 to achieve a fine texture. Other types of flour may alter the consistency.
- What to do if the dough is too sticky?: Add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the dough becomes harder to knead.
- How can I store Hajas?: They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze Hajas, and before serving, you can bake them again.

Hajas is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that blends tradition with the joy of cooking. Each step will bring you closer to a table full of flavors and wonderful moments. I invite you to try it and add your personal touch to this classic recipe. Enjoy!