Skirt on the waist
Poale-n Brau - A Traditional Delight
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-40 minutes
Frying time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10 pastries
Poale-n brau is not just a recipe, but a true treasure of culinary tradition. These delicious pastries, filled with cheese, are perfect for any occasion, whether you're preparing for a festive meal or simply want to indulge in a special dessert. Here’s how you can make them at home, step by step, to achieve a perfect result!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 100 ml warm milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sunflower oil for frying
For the filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 60 g sugar (plus sugar for topping)
Recipe History
The origins of poale-n brau are rooted in the culinary traditions of rural communities, where cottage cheese was a central ingredient. These pastries were often made in households, considered a sweet treat that could bring joy during festive days. Today, poale-n brau are appreciated by both those who love traditions and those discovering the joys of home cooking.
Preparing the Dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the vanilla extract. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the activated yeast, beaten eggs, and milk mixture.
3. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 30-40 minutes until the dough doubles in volume.
Preparing the Filling
1. Cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg, grated lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a fork to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained to avoid a too wet filling.
Forming the Pastries
1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm.
2. Cutting: Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares of about 10 cm.
3. Filling: In the center of each square, place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Lift the corners of the dough towards the center and pinch them well to form a pocket.
Frying
1. Heating the oil: In a pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough for even frying.
2. Frying the pastries: Carefully add the pastries to the pan, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
3. Serving: Remove the pastries onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. When warm, dust them with sugar and serve immediately, alongside a fragrant tea or fruit compote.
Practical Tips
- Choose the right cheese: A quality cottage cheese that is well-drained will make a difference. You can also use goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Oven version: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake poale-n brau in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C, place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Customize the filling: You can add raisins, chocolate pieces, or even a bit of cocoa to the filling for a touch of originality.
Nutritional Information
A serving of poale-n brau contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients and quantities used. These pastries are rich in protein due to the cheese and egg, as well as carbohydrates from the flour. Try to consume them in moderation, especially if you are monitoring a specific caloric intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to use about 7 g.
2. How can I store poale-n brau? It’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, consuming them within the next 2-3 days.
3. Can I freeze the pastries? Yes, you can freeze poale-n brau before frying them. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Poale-n brau are not just a recipe, but a way to bring joy into your life and that of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Dough: 500 g flour, 25 g yeast, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon sugar, 100 ml milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, sunflower oil for frying. Filling: 250 g cottage cheese, 1 egg, grated zest of one lemon, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 60 g sugar + sugar for topping.
