Hajas (Hajose)

Hajas (Hajose) - Tender Delights with Plum Jam

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Introduction:
Hajas, also known as Hajose, is a traditional recipe, as mysterious as an old family secret, that harmoniously combines tender pastry with the sweet and tangy flavor of plum jam. These delicious pastries, with a delicate texture, have been made for generations and are perfect for serving at tea with friends or as a dessert at a festive meal. This recipe not only delivers an impressive result but also provides an opportunity to explore traditional baking techniques.

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

Ingredient details:
Lard is an essential ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich flavor and a flaky texture. You can find lard at butcher shops or specialty stores. It’s important that it is finely ground to integrate evenly into the dough. Flour type 000 is ideal for pastries, having a low gluten content, which helps achieve a fine texture. Make sure the plum jam is of good quality, preferably homemade, for an authentic taste.

Step by step - Preparing Hajas:

1. Preparing the lard: Start by passing the lard through a meat grinder. This will help achieve a fine texture and facilitate mixing with the flour.

2. Forming the balls: In a bowl, mix the ground lard with 250 g of flour. Using your hands, form three balls of the same size. You can use a scale to ensure they are equal. Set them aside.

3. Preparing the dough: In another bowl, combine the remaining flour (750 g) with the egg, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients, then gradually add the sparkling water, kneading until you obtain an elastic and smooth dough. It’s important to use sparkling water to give the dough a light texture.

4. Rolling out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a sheet about 1 cm thick. This step is crucial for obtaining flaky pastries.

5. Filling with lard: Take one ball of lard and spread it evenly over the entire surface of the dough sheet.

6. Folding: Bring the top part of the sheet towards the middle, followed by the bottom part, then fold each side inward. It is essential to follow the order in which you fold the dough. This will ensure flaky layers.

7. Resting the dough: Let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. You can use this time to browse a cookbook or enjoy a cup of tea.

8. Repeating the process: After 30 minutes, take out the dough and repeat steps 4-7 with the other two balls of lard. It is recommended to let each portion of dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes after each folding.

9. Shaping the pastries: After the last portion has been in the fridge, roll out the dough again into a sheet 1 cm thick. Using a heated knife, cut the dough into squares or diamonds, then add a teaspoon of plum jam in the center of each shape.

10. Folding the pastries: Fold the pastries, gently pressing the edges to seal them.

11. Baking: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.

12. Serving: After taking them out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Be careful, as they are very delicate!

Serving suggestions:
Hajas are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of indulgence. You can also try pairing them with vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce for an even more decadent dessert.

Customized option:
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the plum jam with cherry or peach jam, thus giving your pastries a different flavor. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon or vanilla in the dough for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits:
Hajas offer a balance of carbohydrates from the flour, healthy fats from the lard, and protein from the egg. Flour type 000 is easier to digest, and plum jam provides fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use margarine instead of lard?
- Yes, but the texture will be different, and the taste will not be as rich.

2. How can I store Hajas?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their flakiness.

3. Can I freeze Hajas?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries. Thaw them and bake them directly from the freezer.

So, get ready to enjoy these delicious Hajas! These tender pastries with plum jam are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful way to create culinary memories with loved ones. Enjoy!