Kurtos Kalacs

Kurtos Kalacs – The Aromatic Delight of Pastry

Kurtos Kalacs, also known as "chimney cake," is a traditional dessert with deep roots in culinary culture, often associated with moments of celebration and festivity. This delight combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the sweet flavor of caramelized sugar, best served warm alongside a fragrant drink. I will guide you step by step in preparing this quick and simple dessert, ensuring you achieve a perfect result every time.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 9 kurtos kalacs

Essential ingredients:

- 600 g wheat flour (choose type 650 for a better texture)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh and aromatic note)
- 2 large eggs (make sure they are at room temperature)
- 2 packets of cinnamon sugar (about 16 g)
- 100 g granulated sugar (preferably cane sugar for a richer taste)
- 100 g margarine (or butter for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- Approximately 200 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- For decoration: 100 g ground walnuts, 50 g sugar, 50 g coconut (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, combine 600 g of flour with the grated lemon zest. In another container, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk, adding a tablespoon of sugar from the 100 g. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an indication that the yeast is active and ready to use.

Once the yeast has risen, add it to the bowl with flour along with the two eggs, melted margarine (let it cool slightly), and the remaining sugar. Mix with a spatula or by hand until all ingredients are well integrated. You will obtain a soft dough that is not sticky. If needed, you can add a little milk or flour to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. An excellent method is to preheat the oven to 50°C, then turn it off and place the bowl with dough inside for a quick rise.

Step 3: Shaping the kurtos kalacs

After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 9 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin strip, about 1 cm thick.

If you have cardboard tubes from kitchen rolls, cover them with aluminum foil (this will prevent the dough from sticking) and wrap the dough around each tube, leaving a little space between each wrap. Brush each kurtos with oil, then roll it in the sugar and ground walnut mixture.

Step 4: Baking the kurtos kalacs

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tubes with kurtos kalacs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring the bottom is not covered with sugar, as it will burn.

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the kurtos kalacs are golden and evenly browned.

Step 5: Finishing and serving

After baking, you can brush the kurtos kalacs with a mixture of milk foam and powdered sugar, leaving them in the oven for another 1-2 minutes to caramelize.

Serve warm alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. For an even more special experience, try serving them with vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce on top.

Helpful tips and tricks:

1. Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. If using dry yeast, it is advisable to activate it in lukewarm milk, just like fresh yeast.
2. Oil: Brush the tubes with oil to facilitate the removal of the kurtos kalacs after baking.
3. Sugar: You can experiment with different types of sugar (brown, coconut) or adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be different, and the kurtos kalacs may be denser.

- How can I store kurtos kalacs?
It is best to consume them fresh, but you can keep them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days.

- What other toppings can I use?
You can use coconut, melted chocolate, almond flakes, or even a spice mix to customize the kurtos kalacs.

Nutritional benefits:

Kurtos kalacs is a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Due to natural ingredients like nuts and lemon zest, it also brings antioxidants and vitamins. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, given its sugar and fat content.

In conclusion, kurtos kalacs is not just a delicious dessert but also a cooking experience full of joy and satisfaction. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, each bite will bring a smile to your face. So, get moving and enjoy this aromatic delight!