Transylvanian Cocorada

Ardelenească Cocorada – The Pleasure of Tradition in an Easy-to-Prepare Recipe

Ardelenească cocorada is a delicacy that brings the authentic flavors of culinary tradition to your table. This dish, with its fluffy dough and various fillings, has been enjoyed by generations. Whether you choose a filling of cabbage, cheese, or plums, cocorada is an excellent choice for lunches or dinners and can be adapted according to the season.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

- 500 g of white flour
- 25 g of fresh yeast
- 250 ml of lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 50 g of lard or oil (for a lighter dish, you can use olive oil)
- 1 small cabbage, finely chopped
- 200 g of ricotta (or cottage cheese)
- 300 g of plums (pitted)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast, sugar, and 100 ml of lukewarm water. Gently stir with a spoon to dissolve the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, place the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and the remaining lukewarm water. Start mixing with a wooden spoon until the ingredients combine. Then, knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Caring for the dough
After kneading the dough well, add the tablespoon of lard. Continue kneading for 15 minutes until the lard is fully incorporated and the dough becomes soft. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Take the chopped cabbage and place it in a pan with a little oil. Add salt and pepper, and sauté the cabbage over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it becomes soft. In the meantime, pit the plums and simmer them with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, stirring frequently until they soften and form a sauce.

5. Dividing and shaping the cocorada
When the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Use a rolling pin to roll each part into a circle. On each circle, add the desired filling, whether it’s cabbage, cheese mixed with dill, or caramelized plums. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pressing well to seal the pastry.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the cocoradas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush them with a little oil for a golden crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until they turn golden and delicious.

7. Finishing and serving
After baking, remove the cocoradas from the oven and let them cool on a rack, covered with a clean cloth. This will help maintain a soft texture. Cocorada can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside plain yogurt or a fresh salad.

Practical tips:

- You can substitute cabbage with spinach or zucchini, and plums with apples or pears to vary the recipe according to the season.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add spices like cumin or dill to the cabbage filling.
- Cocorada keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in the oven on a tray covered with aluminum foil.

Nutritional benefits:
Cocorada is rich in carbohydrates from the flour and provides a good source of fiber, especially when using cabbage. Ricotta is an excellent source of calcium and protein, while plums provide vitamins and antioxidants. This recipe is suitable for a balanced meal, being both filling and nutritious.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, activating it in the same way with water and sugar.

- How can I make cocorada more diet-friendly?
You can reduce the amount of lard or use olive oil. You can also opt for whole grain flour for a higher fiber content.

Now that you have all the steps and secrets at hand, enjoy the cooking process and the delicious flavors of your Ardelenească cocorada! Surely, each bite will bring a touch of nostalgia and comfort to your table.