Pogácsa with cracklings

Delicious yeast: Pogăci with bacon - A beloved recipe in the cold season

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 24-30 pogăci

Pogăci with bacon are a traditional delicacy that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This dish is perfect for festive meals but also makes a savory snack on chilly winter days. The origins of these treats are shrouded in stories, and they have been used over time as a symbol of hospitality and family culinary traditions.

Ingredients needed for pogăci with bacon:

- 1 kg flour
- 200 ml sour cream
- 100 ml whey (or milk)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons ground bacon for the dough + 4 tablespoons bacon for greasing the sheets
- 1 tablespoon lard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt (to taste)
- 2 eggs for the dough + 1 for greasing
- Optional: cumin, sesame, or sunflower seeds for decoration

Step by step for pogăci with bacon:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm whey by adding a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. Add the sour cream, salt, the two tablespoons of ground bacon, lard, lightly beaten eggs, and finally, add the whey with the activated yeast. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a dense and non-sticky dough.

3. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about an hour, during which the dough will rise and become fluffy. If the room is not warm, you can use 40 g of yeast to speed up the process.

4. Shaping the pogăci: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Take the first part and roll it out on a floured work surface. Grease it with a tablespoon of bacon and fold the edges over each other. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

5. Repeating the process: While the first part is resting, roll out the second part. After 15 minutes, roll out the first part again, grease with bacon, fold again, and let it rest. Continue with the second part in the same way.

6. Cutting and placing on the tray: Prepare the trays with baking paper. Take the first piece of dough, roll it out again, and cut out round shapes or any other preferred shape. Place them on the trays, leaving a little space between them. Cover them with a towel and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes.

7. Greasing and decorating: Beat an egg and brush each pogăcă with it. If you like, you can gently poke it with a fork a few times. You can sprinkle cumin, sesame, or sunflower seeds on top for a more interesting look and taste.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake the pogăci for 30-40 minutes or until they turn golden and browned. I recommend checking them after 25 minutes to ensure they do not burn.

Serving suggestions: These pogăci with bacon are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a cheese spread or a slice of ham, giving them a special flavor. They are ideal for enjoying at a festive meal or as an appetizer at a gathering with friends.

Variations and tips: If you want to experiment, you can add herbs to the dough, such as dill or oregano, for a more intense flavor. For a lighter version, you can replace the bacon with cottage cheese or feta cheese, and for those who prefer something sweeter, you can try adding a little vanilla to the dough.

Nutritional information: A serving of pogăci with bacon contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on how large you make them and the ingredients used. They are rich in protein and healthy fats, providing sustainable energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What do I do if the dough doesn't rise? Check if you used fresh yeast and make sure the environment is warm. If it's too cold, the yeast will be inactive.
2. Can I substitute the whey? Yes, you can use milk or yogurt, but the result may vary slightly.
3. How do I keep the pogăci fresh? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, but do not leave them exposed to air as they will dry out.

Pogăci with bacon are not just a culinary delight but also a symbol of warmth and hospitality in every home. So, I wish you to enjoy this recipe and share the goodness with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour 200 ml sour cream 100 ml whey or milk 25 g yeast 2 tablespoons ground cracklings for the dough + 4 tablespoons of cracklings for greasing the sheets 1 tablespoon lard salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 eggs for the dough + 1 for greasing Optional: cumin, sesame

 Tags:  bacon scones