Bows, little lies or dried ones

Delicious Bows (Minciunele)

I invite you to discover a classic recipe, full of nostalgia and flavor, that will sweeten every moment spent with family and friends. The bows, also known as minciunele, are a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee. These golden pastries, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, are ideal for adding a touch of flavor to any occasion. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
- 600 g flour
- 80 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 130 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, adding a pinch of salt. This step not only removes any impurities from the flour but also aerates the ingredient, giving it a lighter texture.
Add the butter cut into cubes and, using your fingers, mix until you obtain a mixture resembling fine sand. This is an essential technique in dough preparation, as it helps create a flaky texture.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients
In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and milk until well combined. This mix will add moisture and sweetness to your dough.
Pour this mixture over the flour and butter. Mix well with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine. Start kneading the dough, being careful not to make it sticky. If you feel the dough is too soft, add a little flour; if it is too hard, add a little milk.

3. Shaping the dough
On a floured work surface, take a piece of dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet, about 2-3 mm thick. If you prefer a fluffier texture, you can opt for a slightly thicker sheet.
Use a knife or a cutter to cut the sheet into diamonds. In the center of each diamond, make a diagonal cut and pull one corner through it, thus forming a bow. This detail makes your minciunele look special.

4. Frying
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure it is hot enough to fry the bows quickly without letting them absorb too much oil.
Fry the bows on both sides until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. It is essential not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the oil temperature will drop and they will not fry evenly.

5. Finishing
Remove the minciunele onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar. This detail not only gives them an attractive appearance but also adds a touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestions
Minciunele can be served plain, but if you want to give them an extra flavor, you can accompany them with fruit jam, melted chocolate, or a spoonful of fresh cream. They are also perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Variations
For a personal touch, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla essence or grated lemon zest to the dough. Another interesting option would be to coat them in melted chocolate after they have completely cooled for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional information
These minciunele are delicious, but as with any dessert recipe, moderation is key. A serving of minciunele (about 3-4 pieces) contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying. By making them at home, you have control over the ingredients, making them a healthier choice than many store-bought options.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will be different, and the minciunele may be denser.

2. How can I store minciunele?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

3. What type of oil is best for frying?
Sunflower or canola oil are excellent options, as they have a high smoke point and do not affect the flavor.

4. Can I freeze minciunele?
Yes, you can freeze the fried bows, but make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in airtight bags.

These delicious bows are more than just a simple dessert; they blend tradition with flavor, bringing a touch of joy to every meal. By experimenting with ingredients and serving methods, you can transform them into your favorite dessert, perfect for any occasion. So put on your apron and let’s cook! Enjoy!