Lenten Croissants (Grandma's Wonders)

Vegan Crescent Rolls - Grandma's Wonders

Vegan crescent rolls are a delight that brings back memories of childhood and festive meals. These little treats, with a rich and aromatic filling, are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Although the recipe is simple, the final taste is truly complex, thanks to the harmonious blend of ingredients. Let’s discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20 crescent rolls

Ingredients:

- 1 cup oil (for a flaky texture)
- 1/2 cube fresh yeast (about 20 g)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (to sweeten the dough)
- 1 cup warm water (helps activate the yeast)
- Flour as needed (to form a consistent dough, between 3-4 cups)
- Sour cherry, apricot jam, or plum jam (for filling)
- 1 cup rice (cooked, adding an interesting texture)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for a deep and aromatic taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the filling:
The first step in making the crescent rolls is preparing the filling. Boil the rice in a pot of water, adding a tablespoon of sugar and the two tablespoons of cocoa powder. Let the rice cook until soft, then drain it. The cooked rice will add a special texture and a sweet flavor to the filling, while the cocoa will provide a chocolatey hue. Once cooled, mix the rice with the chosen jam and ground nuts (if you want a crunchy note).

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the oil with the warm water. This mixture will make the dough flakier. In another bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in a little warm water and add the two tablespoons of powdered sugar to activate the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foam forms. This step is essential for a fluffy dough. Once the yeast is activated, add it to the oil and water mixture.

3. Forming the dough:
Start gradually adding flour to the liquid mixture, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Continue until you obtain a homogeneous and elastic dough. Make sure the dough is not too sticky by adding flour gradually. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 20-30 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.

4. Forming the crescent rolls:
After the dough has risen, divide it into smaller pieces. Roll each piece on a floured surface to form a thin circle. Cut the circle into triangles (like a pizza) and add a tablespoon of the prepared filling at the base of each triangle. Roll the crescent rolls from the base to the tip, making sure to shape them well so they don’t unravel during baking.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Place the crescent rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with oil and flour, leaving space between them. Bake the crescent rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden. In the meantime, you can watch them browning, with the enticing aroma of jam and cocoa filling your kitchen.

6. Finishing:
After the crescent rolls are baked, let them cool slightly, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a fine and delicious appearance. These crescent rolls can be served warm or at room temperature, being equally tasty.

Helpful tip:
For an even more aromatic version, you can add a little cinnamon to the filling or experiment with other types of jam, such as peach or apple.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the oil with butter? Yes, but in this case, the recipe will no longer be vegan. Butter provides a different taste but a richer texture.
- How can I keep the crescent rolls fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- Can I make crescent rolls gluten-free? Sure! Use gluten-free flour to adapt the recipe.

Delicious combinations:
Vegan crescent rolls pair perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or a soy latte. You can also enjoy these treats alongside a vegan vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Vegan crescent rolls are not just a dessert, but also a small joy that you can savor at any meal. With each bite, you will feel the flavors that remind you of festive meals spent with family. So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy the cooking process, turning each step into a pleasure!