Cherry strudel

Cherry Strudel: a sweet and fragrant delight

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of a freshly baked strudel? This classic dessert, filled with delicious cherries, reminds us of family moments and culinary traditions passed down through generations. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet flavorful recipe that will turn any meal into a celebration.

General Information:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 30-35 minutes
- Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- Zest of one lemon
- 200 ml sour cream (or yogurt)
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 2 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of dry yeast

For the filling:
- 500 g cherries (preferably from a jar, but fresh can be used as well)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons of semolina

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of milk

Helpful tips for ingredients:
- Use cherries from a jar, as they are already pitted and have a perfectly sweet-tart flavor for the strudel filling. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them and let them drain well to avoid excess water in the filling.
- Semolina is essential to absorb the cherry juice and prevent the dough from becoming soggy, so don’t skip this ingredient.

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of warm water. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the lemon zest, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg yolks, and sour cream. Using a spatula, start incorporating the ingredients, then move on to kneading by hand.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, drain the cherries from the jar and pit them if necessary. Mix the cherries with the sugar and semolina. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste – if the cherries are already very sweet, you may not need much sugar.

6. Forming the strudel: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to form a thin sheet. Cut the sheet into squares of about 10x10 cm. On each square, add a tablespoon of the cherry filling, then fold it in thirds, covering the filling.

7. Placing on the tray: Place the folded squares on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising. Lightly cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk, then brush each square with this mixture for a golden crust. Bake the strudels for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

9. Serving: Let the strudels cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own but can also be accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or a vanilla sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

History and variations:
Strudel is a dessert with deep roots in culinary history, having a multitude of variations across different cultures. You may have thought of apple strudel, but cherries bring a note of freshness and acidity that perfectly balances the sweetness of the dough. You can also experiment with other fillings, such as apples, cottage cheese, or pumpkin.

Nutritional benefits:
- Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing to a strong immune system.
- Sour cream is a good source of probiotics, beneficial for digestion.
- Moderate sugar consumption in this dessert makes it a healthier option compared to other processed sweets.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can use many other fruits, such as apples or peaches. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and use warm water, not hot, to activate the yeast.

- How can I store the strudel?
The strudel keeps well at room temperature for 1-2 days, but for maximum freshness, it is recommended to be consumed immediately after baking.

This cherry strudel is more than just a dessert; it is a memory of times spent together with loved ones and an invitation to savor every moment. So gather your family, prepare the ingredients, and let yourself be inspired by the natural flavors of cherries. Enjoy!