Vegan croissants

Lenten Croissants - A Delicacy for the Soul

Lenten croissants are a classic dessert that reminds us of the moments spent with loved ones, whether during holidays or ordinary days when we want to indulge in something sweet. These small delights, tender and aromatic, are easy to prepare and perfect for savoring alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Let’s discover together how to prepare these wonderful croissants!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 cup borscht (about 250 ml, to add a touch of acidity)
- 1/3 cup oil (about 80 ml, for a soft and fluffy dough)
- Yeast the size of a walnut (about 15-20 g, to help the dough rise)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (80-100 g, to sweeten the dough; adjust to taste)
- Flour as needed (about 500-600 g, to achieve the desired dough consistency)
- Essences (vanilla or rum, to add flavor)
- 1 jar of plum jam (about 400 g, for filling)
- Ground walnuts (about 100 g, to enrich the filling)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a little warm water and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast and ensure good dough rise.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the borscht, oil, sugar, essences, and activated yeast. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

3. Adding the flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue adding flour until you obtain a soft and slightly sticky dough, similar to cookie dough. This mixture will create a fine and delicate texture.

4. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 20 minutes. Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the croissants even more tender.

5. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the plum jam with the ground walnuts. This filling will add a rich taste and a crunchy note to your croissants.

6. Shaping the croissants: After the dough has rested, take a piece of it and roll it out into a thin sheet. Cut the sheet into squares of about 10 cm by 10 cm. Place a teaspoon of the jam and walnut filling in the center of each square, then roll the croissants into a semicircle shape.

7. Baking: Arrange the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the croissants for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden.

8. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, let the croissants cool slightly. Then, dust them with powdered sugar for a special appearance. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container, lightly wrapping them in plastic wrap.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the jam: You can use any type of jam you prefer, whether it’s plum, apricot, or blackberry. Each variant will add a different flavor to the croissants.
- Nut variant: If you want to add extra texture, try adding other types of ground nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Serving: Lenten croissants are excellent alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for a snack during the day or for serving on special occasions.

Nutritional information:

Each serving of lenten croissants (about 3-4 pieces) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the filling chosen and the amount of sugar used. They are a good choice for those who want to enjoy a dessert without animal-derived ingredients, while still providing energy and satisfaction.

In conclusion, preparing lenten croissants is not only a pleasant activity but also an excellent way to indulge and bring a bit of joy into your days. Experiment with the ingredients and find the combination you like best. Perhaps this recipe will become a new favorite in your family, just as it is in mine! Don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones and tell them about the cooking process. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 cup of borscht, one-third cup of oil, yeast the size of a walnut, 4-5 tablespoons of sugar, flour as needed, essences, a jar of plum jam, ground walnuts

 Tags:  crescent rolls