Poale-n brau

Sweet Cheese and Raisin Pastries – Delicious Recipe

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will teach you how to prepare a traditional Romanian recipe, poale-n brau, in a delicious version, using sweet cheese and a fragrant mix of raisins and lemon zest. These pastries are perfect for a snack, a dessert, or even to impress guests at a festive meal.

A brief history of poale-n brau

The origins of poale-n brau are lost in the mists of time, being a popular dish in Romanian households. Over the years, these pastries have been a way to utilize available ingredients, such as cheese and eggs, transforming them into an enticing delicacy. Whether we find them at festive meals or on ordinary days, poale-n brau remind us of the joy of authentic taste.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 500 g flour + 100 g for dusting the work surface
- About 60 ml oil for kneading

For the filling:
- 300 g sweet cheese
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons homemade vanilla powdered sugar (or natural vanilla)
- 1 egg + 1 egg white
- Raisins (to taste)
- Grated zest of one lemon

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk with a little milk

Necessary utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Grater
- Scale or measuring cup
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Then pour the lukewarm milk over the yeast and gently mix. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms.

2. In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, and butter at room temperature. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the beaten eggs, followed by the yeast mixture.

3. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or with your hands, gradually adding the oil until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It should not be sticky, so add more flour if necessary.

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Grate the sweet cheese and place it in a large bowl.

2. Add the sour cream, sugar, vanilla powdered sugar, egg, and beaten egg white. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Incorporate the raisins and lemon zest into the filling for added flavor. Here you can also experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or rum essence, to customize the recipe to your taste.

Step 3: Forming the poale-n brau
1. After the dough has risen, dust the work surface with flour and divide the dough into two equal parts.

2. Roll out the first part into a medium-thick sheet using a rolling pin.

3. Cut the sheet into squares of approximately 10x10 cm.

4. Place a spoonful of filling on each square, sprinkle a little of the raisin and lemon zest mixture, then brush the edges of the squares with the beaten egg yolk mixed with a little milk.

5. Fold the opposite corners of the square, sealing them well with the help of the egg yolk. Proceed similarly with the second part of the dough.

Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).

2. Place the poale-n brau on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving space between them to avoid sticking during baking.

3. Bake the pastries for 5 minutes at medium heat, then reduce the temperature to low and let them bake for 20 minutes or until they become golden and browned.

4. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. These pastries are delicious both warm and cold.

Serving suggestions
Poale-n brau can be served plain or with a drizzle of sour cream on top. You can also pair them with a cup of fruit tea or a fragrant coffee for a perfect indulgence moment.

Calories and nutritional benefits
Each serving of poale-n brau contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Sweet cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, while raisins provide extra antioxidants and fiber. These pastries are a good choice for a healthy snack, offering the satisfaction of a delicious dessert.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with cottage cheese, ricotta, or goat cheese. Each variation will give a different taste!

- How can I make the dough less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or use a sweeter cheese for the filling.

- Where can I get homemade vanilla powdered sugar?
It's very simple! Grind regular sugar with a vanilla pod or with Bourbon sugar, and you quickly get a natural and aromatic variant.

- How can I improve the recipe?
You can add crushed nuts or chocolate to the filling for a decadent version.

Possible variations
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Additionally, for a tropical taste, replace the raisins with dried pineapple or apricot pieces.

I encourage you to experiment and enjoy every step of this recipe. I am sure that poale-n brau with sweet cheese and raisins will quickly become a favorite in your family. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 25 g fresh yeast, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons sugar, 250 ml lukewarm milk, 50 g butter at room temperature, 1 teaspoon salt, 500 g flour (+100 g for dusting the table), approximately 60 ml oil for kneading. For the cheese cream: 300 g ricotta, 1 tablespoon sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons homemade vanilla powdered sugar, 1 egg + 1 egg white, raisins, lemon zest. Additionally: 1 egg yolk with a little milk for brushing.

 Tags:  pies cheese cheese pie pie recipes pie recipe pie dough skirt lifted