Scones with cracklings

Pogăcelele cu jumări – a delicious and comforting appetizer

In search of an appetizer that brings a touch of warmth and comfort to your meals, pogăcelele cu jumări are the perfect choice! This dish, with its fluffy texture and unmistakable taste, is ideal for enjoying warm, surrounded by loved ones. Whether you serve them at a party, a family meal, or simply crave a savory snack, these pogăcele will surely be a hit.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 20-25 pogăcele

Ingredients needed

- 600 g high-quality flour
- 200 g pork cracklings (preferably from pork)
- 200 g lard (or butter, according to preference)
- 4 egg yolks
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 400 ml sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 egg for brushing

A brief history

Pogăcelele cu jumări have their roots in the culinary traditions of several cultures, being lovingly prepared in households all over. They were originally designed as an efficient way to use leftover meat and fat, transforming them into a savory snack. Cooked with patience and care, pogăcelele cu jumări are now a symbol of kindness and hospitality, bringing family and friends together around the table.

Step by step: Preparing pogăcele cu jumări

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform dough. The cracklings should be ground using a meat grinder with a medium sieve to achieve a fine but not overly fine texture.

2. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the 30 g of yeast in 50 ml of warm water. This step is crucial, as activated yeast will ensure good rising of the dough.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add 600 g of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 4 egg yolks, the ground cracklings, 200 g of lard, and 400 ml of sour cream. Combine all these ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dough.

4. Incorporating the yeast
Once the yeast starts to bubble, add it to the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix well until the dough begins to form.

5. Kneading the dough
Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a floured work surface. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. An interesting technique is to slap the dough against the surface with full force about 10 times, which will help develop the gluten and speed up the process.

6. Rolling and folding the dough
After kneading, roll the dough into a sheet about one finger thick, in the shape of a rectangle or square. Then, fold it: bring the side closest to you to the middle, and then fold the opposite side over it. Repeat the process with the side edges. This folding technique will create delicious layers in the pogăcele.

7. Repeating the folding
Roll the dough out again, this time to a thickness of one finger, and repeat the folding. This process of rolling and folding is done three times. On the fourth roll, leave the dough about two fingers thick, score the surface with a knife, and cut it into desired shapes.

8. Proofing
Place the cut pogăcele on trays and let them proof for about 1.5 hours, until they double in size. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pogăcele with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake them at high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 150°C and let them bake until golden on top, for about 20-25 minutes.

Useful tips and variations

- Cracklings: You can experiment with cracklings from other types of meat, such as duck or chicken, to give them a different flavor.
- Spices: Add herbs like dill or thyme to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Serving: These pogăcele are excellent served warm, alongside fresh sour cream or a garlic yogurt sauce. You can pair them with a green salad for a refreshing appetizer.

Nutritional benefits

Pogăcelele cu jumări are a rich source of proteins and healthy fats, providing energy throughout the day. Whole grain flour can be used to add extra fiber, while sour cream adds a creamy and rich flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. In this case, the amount would be about 10 g.

2. How can I store the pogăcele?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them to enjoy later.

3. Can I make them healthier?
Absolutely! Replace lard with olive oil and use whole grain flour for a healthier version.

Conclusion

Pogăcelele cu jumări are an excellent choice for any occasion, combining tradition with unforgettable taste. By cooking these delights, you will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a piece of culinary tradition into your home. So, get ready to brighten your table with these flavorful pogăcele and impress your guests with your cooking skills! Enjoy!