Langos

Delicious fluffy langos recipe - A childhood memory

Who doesn't remember the irresistible aroma of freshly fried langos, golden and crispy? This recipe is a tribute to childhood nostalgia and also a simple and delicious fasting option. Langos can be enjoyed both sweet, dusted with powdered sugar or with quince jam, and savory, filled with cheese and sour cream. Let's start this culinary journey together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 70 minutes
Frying time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 langos

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of white flour
- 550-600 ml of lukewarm water
- 30 g of fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil (for the dough and for frying)
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Quince jam or any preferred jam (optional)

The history of langos is fascinating. These fried delights have been prepared for generations, bringing joy to family tables. Langos have evolved over time, with each region adding its own touch, but the essence remains the same: a simple, slightly sweet dough, fried until crispy.

Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by sifting 1 kg of white flour into a large bowl. Add a teaspoon of salt and mix well. Now, make a well in the center of the flour. In another container, place 100 ml of lukewarm water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 30 g of fresh yeast. Gently mix until the yeast is completely dissolved. Cover the container and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, until the starter starts to bubble.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
Once the starter is ready, pour it into the well formed in the flour. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or with your hands, gradually adding lukewarm water until you achieve a soft dough. Finally, add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil and continue kneading. The dough will be sticky, but do not add more flour; it is essential to handle it with lightly oiled hands.

Step 3: Rising the dough
Once you have kneaded the dough well, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60-70 minutes. The dough will rise and become fluffy. It is important to be patient at this stage, as a good rise will lead to fluffier langos.

Step 4: Shaping the langos
After the dough has risen, grease the work surface with a little oil. Break off pieces of dough and stretch them on the surface with your fingers, forming discs of the desired size and thickness. Let the discs rise again for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Frying the langos
In a deep pan, heat the oil until it is hot. Fry each dough disc on both sides until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Stack them on top of each other to soften and become fluffier.

Step 6: Serving
Now that the langos are ready, you can choose how to serve them. If you prefer the sweet version, dust them with vanilla powdered sugar or serve them with your favorite jam. If you feel more adventurous, fill the discs with cheese before frying and then serve them with sour cream.

Useful tips:
- If you want the langos to be fluffier, make sure to use lukewarm water, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Langos can be frozen after frying. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan to restore their crispy texture.
- You can add spices like garlic or dill to the dough for a more complex flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 10 g and dissolve it in lukewarm water, just like in the recipe.

2. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with different fillings, such as mushrooms, spinach, or even minced meat, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make the langos healthier?
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of oil used for frying, opting for baking in the oven.

Nutrition:
Each langos has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the fillings and the amount of oil used. They can be a good source of carbohydrates and, depending on the chosen filling, you can also get protein or healthy fats.

Enjoy making these fluffy langos and don't hesitate to add a personal touch to your recipe. So gather your family or friends and savor these aromatic delights together!