Romanian Poale-n-Brau: Sweet Cheese & Raisin Pastries
2 hours 40 minutes
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About Romanian Poale-n-Brau: Sweet Cheese & Raisin Pastries
Transport yourself to Romania with the enchanting aroma of freshly baked Poale-n-Brau. These golden, pillowy pastries are filled with a sweet cheese and raisin filling, offering a taste of Romanian tradition perfect for any occasion.Imagine sinking your teeth into the soft dough, revealing a creamy ricotta filling dotted with plump raisins and a hint of bright lemon. This delightful combination creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience.Easy-to-follow instructions make these pastries a rewarding baking project for all skill levels, so you can share this taste of Romania with everyone.
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Recipe Time & More
Prep2 hours
Cook40 minutes
Total2 hours 40 minutes
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Active Yeast dry
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 1 Lemon zest only
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Egg
- 0.5 cup Water warm
Filling
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 0.25 cup Sugar
- 0.25 cup Golden Raisins
- 1 Egg for filling
Egg Wash
- 1 Egg for egg wash
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve 1 tbsp of sugar in the warm water. This creates the perfect environment for the yeast to activate.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and lemon zest.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture, oil, egg, and the remaining sugar.
- Mix the ingredients with a large spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the pastries their structure.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, raisins, and egg. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a 6x6 inch square. Place 2 teaspoons of the cheese filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the dough towards the center, pinching them together to seal the filling. Then, fold the newly formed corners to the center again and pinch to secure. This creates the signature Poale-n-Brau shape.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk the remaining egg for the egg wash. Brush the pastries with the egg wash and let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows for a final rise and a beautiful golden-brown color after baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Warm the pastries before serving, either gently on a skillet or in a warm oven.
- These pastries are delicious served with a scoop of ice cream.
- For a more authentic tang and texture, substitute part or all of the ricotta with crumbled farmer’s cheese or well-drained cottage cheese.
- Soak the golden raisins in a splash of rum, vanilla extract, or orange juice for 15-20 minutes before adding to the filling to plump them and add flavor.
- If preparing ahead, shape and fill the pastries, then freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Dust the finished pastries generously with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze.
Expert Tips
- Experiment with different dried fruits in the filling, such as chopped apricots or cranberries, for a unique twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- For a richer dough, use a combination of butter and cream cheese.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.6gFiber: 1gSugar: 13g
Trisha Rudra
Articles: 1
5 Comments
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Looks so delectable! Thanks for posting.
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.
This looks so appetizing! Thank you.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.