Croissants with rahat

Rugelach with Turkish Delight – a crispy and fluffy delicacy, perfect for comforting the souls of loved ones. This recipe combines tradition with unmistakable flavors and is a quick dessert, ideal for both festive meals and a simple gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20 rugelach

History of Rugelach with Turkish Delight
Rugelach with Turkish Delight have a rich history in cooking traditions, being a symbol of hospitality and joy. It is believed that these treats were inspired by pastry recipes from various cultures, where different types of fillings were used. The Turkish Delight adds a touch of sweetness and a soft texture that perfectly contrasts with the crispy crust of the dough.

Ingredients
- 200 g lard (or butter, for a richer flavor)
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Yeast the size of a walnut or 1 packet of dry yeast
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh flavor)
- Approximately 600 g flour (type 000, for a finer dough)
- Turkish Delight (approximately 200 g, cut into cubes)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Necessary utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Fine grater
- Plate (for cutting the dough)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar and salt. Add the grated lemon zest, which will give a special flavor to your rugelach.

2. Activating the yeast
If using fresh yeast, dissolve it in a small cup of warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast), and wait a few minutes until it starts to bubble. If using dry yeast, add it directly to the flour.

3. Kneading the dough
Add the lard (or melted butter) and mix well. Gradually incorporate warm water, kneading the dough until it becomes non-sticky and elastic. It's important not to add too much water at once, so add a little at a time.

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

5. Preparing the Turkish Delight
While the dough is rising, cut the Turkish Delight into small cubes. You can dust them with powdered sugar or flour to prevent sticking.

6. Shaping the rugelach
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a round sheet about 5 mm thick. Using a plate, cut circles from the dough, then cut each circle into triangles.

7. Adding the filling
Place a cube of Turkish Delight at the base of each triangle, then carefully roll it up, starting from the wide end, to form the rugelach. Make sure the filling is well wrapped in the dough.

8. Baking the rugelach
Place the rugelach on the baking tray, a few centimeters apart. If desired, you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden.

9. Decorating
Once cooled, dust the rugelach with powdered sugar so that they have a delicious and appetizing appearance.

Serving suggestions
These rugelach with Turkish Delight are excellent served alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. You can also offer them as a dessert at a festive meal or share them with friends during a gathering.

Variations
For a personal touch, you can replace Turkish Delight with chocolate or fruit jam. You can also add ground nuts or almonds to the filling for extra texture.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, butter provides a richer flavor, but lard helps achieve a more tender texture.

- How can I keep the rugelach fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze them for later use.

- What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with various fillings, such as marzipan, jams, or even candied fruits.

Nutritional benefits
These rugelach with Turkish Delight are a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The Turkish Delight adds simple sugars, while the lemon zest brings antioxidants and vitamins.

Calories
A serving of rugelach (approximately 2 rugelach) contains about 180-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and filling used.

In conclusion, rugelach with Turkish Delight are not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories with loved ones. So, put on your chef's attire and get ready to delight everyone's taste buds with these indulgent treats! Bon appétit!