Black woman Ioana
Negresa Ioana: a delicious vegan treat that's easy to prepare
When it comes to vegan desserts, few can rival Negresa Ioana. This recipe, given to me by a dear friend, priestess Ioana, is not only simple but also incredibly flavorful, with a soft and moist texture that will make you forget it's vegan. Over the years, I've prepared it with the same joy, and each time it has been enthusiastically received by family and friends. So, let's get to work!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients needed
To make this delicious cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar (200 g)
- 3/4 cup of water (150 ml)
- 3/4 cup of oil (150 ml)
- 50 g of cocoa powder
- 2 grated apples (for extra moisture and flavor)
- 1 cup of ground nuts and hazelnuts (equal amounts)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of jam (plum, apricot, or cherry)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- Zest of 1 orange (for a citrusy aroma)
- 2 cups of flour (275 g, sifted beforehand)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (activated with 5 drops of lemon juice)
Step by step: Cooking Negresa Ioana
1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing. Grate the apples and grind the nuts and hazelnuts. It's essential to sift the flour to avoid lumps.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl or mixer bowl, add the sugar, water, oil, cocoa, grated apples, jam, cinnamon, rum and vanilla essences, and the orange zest. Mix well at medium speed until the mixture is homogeneous.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Next, sift the flour together with the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or at low speed in the mixer until everything is well combined. At this point, you can also add the ground nuts and hazelnuts.
4. Prepare the baking dish: Line a rectangular Jena dish (30x23 cm) with baking paper. This will help in easily removing the cake after baking.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes. To check if the cake is done, perform the toothpick test: insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it's ready.
6. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Cut it into squares once it has completely cooled. This will allow the flavors to develop, and the cake will be easier to cut.
Serving suggestions and variations
Negresa Ioana is delicious and simple, but you can add a touch of creativity. One idea would be to serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream for a pleasant contrast. You can also sprinkle a little coconut or cocoa on top for a unique look and taste.
If you want a more decadent version, try adding 100 g of melted dark chocolate to the mixture. This will intensify the chocolate flavor and provide a richer texture.
Nutritional information
Although it is a vegan cake, Negresa Ioana offers a combination of nutrients due to its ingredients. Nuts and hazelnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins, while apples add fiber and vitamins. Whole wheat flour, if used instead of white flour, can add even more fiber.
Approximate calories per serving: 180 kcal
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the oil with something else?
Yes, you can use applesauce or another type of healthy fat, such as almond butter, for a different texture.
2. What can I use instead of jam?
You can use fruit puree or even a ripe banana to add natural sweetness.
3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, Negresa Ioana can be frozen without any problems. Cut it into portions and wrap it well in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
A personal note
Negresa Ioana has become a true symbol of holidays and gatherings with friends. Each bite reminds me of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones, the laughter, and the shared stories. I encourage you to experiment and add your own memories to this recipe. Cooking is about love, passion, and the desire to share special moments.
So, get ready to indulge your taste buds with this Negresa Ioana, which you will surely say is the most delicious vegan cake you have ever tried!
Ingredients: 1 cup of sugar (200 g) 3/4 cup of water (150 ml) 3/4 cup of oil (150 ml) 50 g cocoa 2 grated apples 1 cup of ground walnuts and hazelnuts mixed together (equal amounts) 1 pinch of salt 2 tablespoons of jam (plum, apricot, cherry, etc. to taste) 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 1 essence of rum vanilla grated orange peel 2 full cups of flour (275 g sifted beforehand) 1 level teaspoon of baking soda (quenched with 5 drops of lemon juice) 30/23 cm rectangular Jena baking dish
