Halva and pasta pies...for fasting
Delicious Halva and Pasta Pies: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience
When it comes to unusual desserts, halva and pasta pies are truly a revelation. This recipe, simple yet sophisticated, combines the creamy texture of halva with the flavor of pasta, creating a delight that will surprise everyone lucky enough to taste them. Over the years, I have served these pies to many, and the reactions have always been enthusiastic: "What? Halva pies? Yes! Super-mega-delicious!" So, let’s embark together on this culinary journey!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 15 pies
Ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 1 kg flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 ml oil
- 600 ml warm water
*For the filling:*
- 500 g halva
- 150 g ring-shaped pasta (or other small pasta)
Preparation Steps:
1. Preparing the Dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the salt over the flour to enhance its flavor. In another container, dissolve the yeast in a little warm water and add the sugar. Mix well until the yeast is homogeneous. Then, pour this mixture over the flour.
2. Kneading: Begin mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon, gradually adding warm water. The goal is to obtain an elastic, fluffy dough. Once the dough reaches the right consistency, add the oil and knead again vigorously until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave it in a warm place for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in volume.
4. Preparing the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Boil the pasta in salted water for 6 minutes, then drain and let it cool. In a bowl, crumble the halva and add the cooled pasta. Mix well with a wooden spoon until the pasta is completely coated in halva.
5. Shaping the Pies: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a work surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape them into round or slightly elongated balls and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
6. Filling: On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangular shape. Place the halva and pasta filling on one half of the sheet, then fold the other half over the filling, pressing the edges well to seal the pie. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
7. Frying: Heat a cast iron skillet (or another with thick walls) over medium heat. Once the skillet is well heated, reduce the heat to low and carefully place the pies in the skillet. Cover with a lid and let them fry. When they turn golden on one side, use a spatula to turn them. Continue frying until the pies have a nice golden color on both sides.
8. Serving: Once fried, remove the pies onto a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil. They can be served warm or cold, depending on everyone’s preference. Regardless of the choice, the taste will be just as savory!
Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing. This will help the dough rise better.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can add a little cinnamon to the filling.
- These pies are delicious served alongside mint tea or a refreshing lemonade.
Nutritional Information:
A serving of halva and pasta pies contains approximately 300 calories. Halva provides a quick energy source, being rich in carbohydrates, while the pasta offers protein and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.
Possible Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace halva with sweet cheese or a mixture of nuts and honey. This will provide a different yet equally delicious note. You can also add some raisins or dried fruits to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will be different, and the dough will need more time to rise.
2. How can I store leftover pies?
You can keep the pies in airtight containers at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze them for later use.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Make sure it is well covered to prevent drying out.
So, get ready to surprise your loved ones with these halva and pasta pies, a recipe that blends tradition with innovation and will bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 1 kg flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 50 g yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 50 ml oil, 600 ml lukewarm water. Filling: 500 g halva, 150 g ring pasta.
