Kurtos kolacs

Kurtos Kolacs: The Transylvanian Sweet Bread with a Story Flavor

If you want to bring new aromas and flavors to your Easter table, I invite you to discover the recipe for Kurtos Kolacs, a traditional sweet bread with a unique shape, beloved by tourists and locals alike. This Transylvanian delight, with its rustic appearance and soft texture, will enchant your senses and transform your festive meal into a true feast.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 30 g dry yeast
- 300 ml warm milk
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt
- 500 g flour

For the syrup:
- 200 g sugar
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the glaze:
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 7-8 tablespoons granulated sugar

A bit of history and inspiration:

Kurtos Kolacs has deep roots in culinary traditions, often associated with holidays and festivals. Its distinctive shape, wrapped around wooden rollers, recalls its rural past when people gathered in the community to prepare and enjoy this special dessert. Even today, you can feel that connection to tradition by bringing a piece of history to your table.

Taking action: Preparing Kurtos Kolacs

1. Preparing the syrup: In a small pot, add water, sugar, and lemon juice. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it boil for 5-7 minutes until the syrup thickens. Once ready, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, melted butter, vanilla essence, and beaten eggs with a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Adding the flour: Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring continuously until you obtain an elastic dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This step is essential; make sure the dough is well kneaded to achieve a fluffy texture.

4. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes in a warm, draft-free place. You will notice it will double in volume, preparing to become a delicious sweet bread.

5. Shaping the sweet bread: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin sheet. Cut it into long, narrow strips, which will be wrapped around oiled forms. If you don't have wooden rollers, you can improvise with round or cone-shaped metal molds, or even with cardboard rolls wrapped in aluminum foil.

6. Greasing and rolling: Brush each strip with the cooled syrup, then roll them in the mixture of ground walnuts and sugar. This will add a crunchy texture and a delicious taste.

7. Baking: Place the forms in a greased and floured baking tray. Preheat the oven to 180°C and let the sweet breads bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and the aromas mingle in the air.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the sweet breads are ready, let them cool slightly before removing them from the molds. Serve them warm or at room temperature to enjoy their full flavor.

Serving suggestions and variations:

Kurtos Kolacs is delicious and simple, but you can add a personal touch by filling the dough with various ingredients like cocoa, raisins, or even chocolate pieces. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or a glass of mulled wine, especially in the colder season.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast; use about 90 g and dissolve it in warm milk.

2. How can I store Kurtos Kolacs? You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze the sweet breads to enjoy them later.

3. Is it possible to make a vegan version? Yes, you can replace the butter with vegan margarine, and the eggs can be substituted with banana puree or plant-based yogurt.

Nutritional benefits:

Kurtos Kolacs is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy, but it also contains healthy fats from walnuts, which are rich in protein and antioxidants. So, enjoy it in moderation, integrating it into your balanced diet.

This is the perfect recipe to add a touch of magic to your Easter table. Each bite of Kurtos Kolacs will take you on a journey of flavors, reminding you of traditions and beautiful moments with loved ones. Happy cooking!