Branzoici

Delicious Branzoici – A Traditional Recipe with a Touch of Magic

If you have an irresistible craving for fluffy and aromatic sweets, branzoici are definitely the perfect choice! These delights have a rich history in culinary traditions and are often associated with joyful family moments, making them ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack during the day. In this recipe, I will reveal every step to achieve the fluffiest branzoici, filled with sweet cheese and lemon flavor.

Preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20 branzoici

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 kg flour
- 50 g butter (or margarine)
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 400 ml sour milk
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- A pinch of salt
- 2 eggs (for brushing the branzoici)

For the cheese filling:
- 400 g sweet cheese
- Zest of one lemon
- The remaining 4 egg whites
- Lemon essence (to taste)
- 100 g sugar

Step by Step – Your Culinary Guide

1. Activating the yeast: Start by preparing the yeast. Place the cube of yeast in a small bowl, add a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of flour, and 100 ml of warm milk. Mix well and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Add the yolks to the large bowl and, using a whisk or mixer, beat them with 7 tablespoons of sugar until they lighten in color and double in volume. Then, add the sour cream, melted butter (or margarine), salt, sour milk, and activated yeast. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

3. Incorporating the flour: Begin to gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, then add the warm oil and continue kneading until fully incorporated. The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky.

4. Fermenting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, you can prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the lemon zest, lemon essence, and sugar. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then carefully fold them into the cheese mixture. This will add a light and airy texture to your filling.

6. Forming the branzoici: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Using a knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Place a small ball of cheese filling in the center of each square.

7. Shaping the branzoici: You can choose to shape the branzoici in several ways: either by gathering the corners and joining them in the middle or by twisting the dough to form a flower. Make sure the filling is well covered and that the dough is sealed properly.

8. Brushing and baking: Place the branzoici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the remaining two eggs and lightly brush each branzoica. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the branzoici for about 40 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy.

9. Serving: Once they have cooled slightly, the branzoici are ready to be enjoyed. You can serve them plain or with a side of sweet cream. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with these delights.

Chef's Tip

For an even more intense taste and aroma, you can add some raisins or pieces of candied fruit to the filling. Also, feel free to experiment with flavors – a splash of vanilla essence or some spices like cinnamon can completely transform the recipe!

Nutritional Benefits

These branzoici are not only delicious but also nutritious. The sweet cheese provides quality protein, while the oil and butter add healthy fats. The sour milk contributes beneficial probiotics for digestion. However, like any dessert, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese? Yes, cottage cheese can be an excellent alternative, but make sure to drain it well of liquid to avoid a too-wet filling.
- How can I keep the branzoici fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- Can I make the dough with whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a richer taste, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid since whole wheat flour absorbs more.

Delicious Pairings

These branzoici pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a creamy cappuccino. Additionally, a fruit jam or a serving of Greek yogurt can complement their flavor perfectly.

A Personal Note

The branzoici recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother, who used to spoil us with them every weekend. Each bite brings back memories of childhood and wonderful moments spent with family. I hope you too will create beautiful memories around these branzoici!

Try this simple and quick recipe for branzoici and enjoy their authentic flavor! Enjoy your meal!