Lenten croissants
Lenten Croissants: Tender and Aromatic Dessert
These Lenten croissants are not just a delight, but also an inspired choice for any occasion. Tender and soft, with a sweet taste and a delicious filling of Turkish delight, these croissants will surely become your favorites. Moreover, the recipe is simple and quick, perfect for any cooking enthusiast who wants to experiment in the kitchen.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 24 croissants
Ingredients:
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 125 ml borscht
- 125 ml oil
- 180 g sugar
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- a pinch of salt
- flour as needed
- Turkish delight (cut into strips)
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by sifting 900 g of flour into a large bowl. The quality of the flour is essential, so opt for type 000 flour, which will provide a finer dough. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the fresh yeast. Ensure that the water is lukewarm (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast). Pour the lukewarm water, borscht, oil, sugar, and salt into the well. Gently mix the ingredients to activate the yeast, then start kneading the dough. Continue adding flour until you achieve the right consistency - the dough should not be too hard or too soft.
Step 2: Rising
After kneading the dough well, divide it into two equal parts. Leave one part as is, and in the other half, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa. Knead again until the cocoa is fully incorporated. Now, cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This step is essential for fluffy croissants.
Step 3: Shaping the croissants
Once the dough has risen, divide each piece of dough into four balls. Roll each ball of plain and cocoa dough into a circle about 2-3 mm thick. Layer the two sheets, with the cocoa one underneath. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough again, obtaining an even sheet.
Step 4: Cutting and filling
Cut the sheet into 8 triangles (for larger croissants) or 12 triangles (for smaller croissants), depending on your preference. At the base of each triangle, place a strip of Turkish delight. Fold the triangle from the base to the tip, forming the croissant. Ensure that you have formed a well-sealed edge to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Step 5: Baking
Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to rise. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the croissants for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and fragrant.
Step 6: Serving
After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly, then you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra sweet taste. These croissants are delicious served warm or at room temperature and can be stored well in an airtight container.
Possible variations
To add extra flavor, you can experiment with various fillings, such as ground nuts, fruit jam, or even chocolate. You can also replace the Turkish delight with a marzipan filling for an interesting twist.
These Lenten croissants are perfect for any time of the day, whether you enjoy them at breakfast or offer them to guests as dessert. I invite you to try this simple recipe and discover how tasty they are!
Ingredients: 250 ml lukewarm water, 125 ml borscht, 125 ml oil, 180 g sugar, 15 g fresh yeast, 3 tablespoons cocoa, a pinch of salt, flour as needed, Turkish delight
