Croissants with berry sauce

Berry sauce croissants - A delicacy that will delight your senses

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 15 croissants

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I offer you a delicious recipe that combines the fluffy texture of croissants with a savory berry sauce. These croissants are not only excellent for a special breakfast or a snack, but they are also ideal for taking on the go. Whether you enjoy them warm with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with loved ones, these berry sauce croissants are truly a treat.

A brief story about croissants

Croissants have a long history, consumed in various forms and variations around the world. They symbolize a warm and welcoming meal, often associated with moments of relaxation and joy spent with loved ones. Today's recipe is a modern reinterpretation, bringing a touch of freshness and flavor through the berry sauce.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*

- 600 g flour (preferably type 650 for a fluffy texture)
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil or olive oil (for a more intense flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to taste)
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a tangy flavor)
- 3/4 cup sparkling water (the bubbles help aerate the dough)
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one orange (for a pleasant citrus aroma)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla beans (for a sweet and aromatic taste)

*For the berry sauce:*

- 1 bowl of berries (frozen or fresh, depending on the season)
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to how sweet the fruit is)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla beans (optional, for a more sophisticated taste)

Preparing the croissants

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, gently heat the sparkling water (without boiling) and add the fresh yeast along with a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble. This is an essential step to achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the remaining ingredients: the remaining sugar, oil, lemon juice, salt, orange zest, and powdered sugar with vanilla. Mix gently by hand to combine the ingredients, then add the activated yeast.

3. Kneading the dough: Start adding the sparkling water gradually, kneading the dough. Continue kneading until the dough becomes non-sticky and elastic (about 5-7 minutes). If necessary, you can adjust the amount of water depending on the humidity of the ingredients.

4. Proofing the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. This is a crucial step as it allows the dough to become fluffy.

Preparing the berry sauce

5. Thawing the fruit: If using frozen berries, let them thaw in a bowl. You can lightly blend them with a blender to achieve a smooth texture, but don’t overdo it — you want to keep small pieces of fruit for texture in the sauce.

6. Cooking the sauce: Place the fruit mixture in a small pot over medium heat. Add the sugar and powdered sugar with vanilla. Once the sauce starts to boil, add the cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of cold water. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). If you want a creamier consistency, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch.

7. Cooling the sauce: Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Assembling the croissants

8. Shaping the croissants: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 15 equal balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin rectangle. Place a tablespoon of berry sauce at one end of the rectangle and roll gently to form the croissant. Make sure the edges are well sealed.

9. Baking the croissants: Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them as they will rise further. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and let the croissants rise for 15-20 minutes. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and fluffy.

10. Glazing the croissants: Prepare a simple syrup from 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of water, which you will use to brush the croissants immediately after removing them from the oven. This step will keep the croissants soft and add a sweet touch on top.

11. Serving: Let the croissants cool slightly, then brush them with the honey syrup. These croissants with berry sauce are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a glass of almond milk for an even more enjoyable experience.

Useful tips

- If you want to diversify the recipe, you can replace the berries with grated apples or peaches, adjusting the sauce according to your preferences.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Nutritional benefits

These croissants with berry sauce are a healthier option compared to many other desserts, having a moderate calorie content but rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to the berries. Whole grain flour can add fiber, while olive or sunflower oil provides healthy fats.

If you have questions or personal suggestions about the recipe, feel free to share! Cooking is an art that improves with each attempt, and every recipe can be adapted to your preferences. Enjoy your meal!