Oriental Strudel Lucica

Oriental Strudel Lucica – A Delicacy Full of Flavors

If you are looking for a captivating recipe that brings unique flavors and delicious textures to the table, then the Oriental Strudel Lucica is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender meat with sweet apricots and aromatic spices, all wrapped in a crispy crust that will surely impress any guest. Additionally, the yogurt sauce adds a refreshing note that perfectly complements the dish. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients for Strudel:

- 1 package of frozen dough (approximately 400-500 g)
- 100 g dried apricots, diced
- 50 ml fresh orange juice (we recommend squeezing one orange)
- 400-500 g minced meat (a mix of pork and beef)
- 1 leek, cleaned and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 pinch of chili (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Spicy-Cooling Yogurt Sauce:

- 200 ml natural yogurt, good quality
- 100 ml sour cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 100-150 g cottage cheese, mashed
- salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Brushing and Garnishing:

- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tablespoons almond flakes

The Story Behind the Recipe:

Strudel is a recipe with a rich history, known in many cultures and reinterpreted in countless ways. This oriental variant brings together diverse influences, transforming a classic dish into a modern delicacy. The combination of minced meat with dried apricots offers a pleasant contrast between sweet and savory, while the addition of spices enriches the flavor, making this strudel an excellent choice for both a family dinner and a special occasion.

Step by Step: Preparing the Strudel

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at hand. Thaw the dough if necessary, and cut the dried apricots into small cubes for easy integration into the filling.

2. Mixing the apricots: In a bowl, combine the diced apricots with the freshly squeezed orange juice. This mixture will provide a note of freshness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

3. Preparing the meat: In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced meat and fry it, stirring occasionally, until it starts to crumble. This process will ensure an even texture for the filling.

4. Adding the leek: Once the meat is nearly done, add the chopped leek. Sauté it together with the meat for a few minutes until it becomes soft and aromatic. This ingredient adds a slightly sweet and crunchy note.

5. Seasoning: Add the tomato paste and mix well. Season with chili, cinnamon, curry, salt, and pepper. This combination of spices will turn the dish into a true explosion of flavors. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.

6. Incorporating the apricots: Once the meat mixture has cooled, add the apricots along with their juice. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

7. Adding the semolina: In a small bowl, mix the semolina with the baking powder, then incorporate it into the meat filling. The semolina will absorb moisture and provide a pleasant texture.

8. Preparing the dough: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. On the work surface, roll out the dough to approximately 3 mm thickness. Make sure it is even for uniform baking.

9. Filling the strudel: Now it’s time to add the filling! Spread the meat mixture over the dough, leaving a free edge of about 2 cm on all sides. This will help form a good seal.

10. Rolling the strudel: Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg. Carefully roll the dough, making sure the filling does not spill out. Ensure the seam is on the bottom when placing the strudel on the baking tray lined with parchment paper.

11. Brushing and garnishing: Moisten the entire surface of the strudel with beaten egg and sprinkle the almond flakes on top. This will add a crunchy and flavorful note.

12. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the strudel is golden and crispy. Indulge in the delicious aroma that will spread throughout the kitchen!

Preparing the Spicy-Cooling Yogurt Sauce

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and sugar. Add the pressed garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous composition.

2. Finalizing: Add the chopped parsley and mix again. This sauce will not only add a pleasant contrast to the warm strudel but will also perfectly complement the flavors.

3. Cooling: Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. It will become more delicious as it sits.

Serving the Strudel:

After the strudel is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, cut into slices, alongside the cooling yogurt sauce. This can be an excellent appetizer or a main course, perfect for a family dinner.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

To add a personal touch, you can experiment with different types of minced meat, such as chicken or turkey. You can also substitute the apricots with other dried fruits, such as prunes or dates, to achieve a different filling. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen dough? Yes, you can use fresh dough, but make sure to roll it out evenly.

2. How can I make the strudel spicier? Add more chili or even a drop of hot sauce to the filling.

3. Can the strudel be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the strudel before baking it. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require additional baking time.

Nutritional Benefits:

The Oriental Strudel Lucica is a good source of protein due to the minced meat and cottage cheese. Dried apricots provide a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the yogurt in the sauce offers beneficial probiotics for the digestive system.

This strudel recipe is not only tasty but also healthy, making each slice a nourishing choice. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious dish that will bring smiles and joy to every meal!