Moldovan Martyrs a la Jamila

Moldovan Mucenici a la Jamila – A traditional delicacy with a personal twist

Moldovan mucenici are a deeply rooted culinary tradition, often prepared during holidays. These 'little saints,' as they are known in some corners, bring joy and flavor to every home. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for Moldovan mucenici a la Jamila, with a few small modifications I've made to achieve a perfect result. With a soft texture and delicious taste, these mucenici will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10 mucenici

Ingredients for the dough:
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 kg sifted flour
- 120 g sugar
- 450 ml warm milk/warm water (plus 20 ml for brushing)
- 50 ml oil
- a pinch of salt
- 3 eggs (plus 1 egg for brushing)
- zest of one orange

Ingredients for the syrup:
- 300 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

Ingredients for decoration:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons warm water
- 70 g roasted and ground walnuts

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour, where you will add the fresh yeast dissolved in warm milk or water, along with the sugar. Gently mix to allow the yeast to activate.

2. Mixing the ingredients
Once the yeast has dissolved, add the oil and the grated orange zest. Now, it's time to add the 3 eggs and a pinch of salt. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain an elastic dough that no longer sticks to your hands.

3. Fermenting the dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Shaping the mucenici
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface and knead it again to eliminate air. Divide the dough into pieces and, with each piece, roll out a thin string. Twist each string into an '8' shape, ensuring the ends meet in the middle.

5. Rising the mucenici
Place the shaped mucenici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 10-15 minutes, during which you can prepare the syrup and walnuts.

6. Preparing the syrup
In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Let it boil, then turn off the heat and add the rum essence. This aromatic note will enhance the flavor of the mucenici.

7. Baking the mucenici
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Brush the mucenici with a mixture of egg and milk, then bake for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden and fluffy.

8. Finalizing the dish
Once the mucenici have cooled, dip them in the sugar syrup, then brush them with the honey mixed with warm water. Finally, sprinkle the roasted and ground walnuts on top for added flavor.

Serving suggestions
These mucenici are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a fragrant tea or coffee, and for a special dessert, try pairing them with vanilla ice cream. Also, feel free to experiment with lemon zest instead of orange zest for a different flavor.

Nutritional benefits
Mucenici are a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Due to the walnut content, they also bring healthy fats, proteins, and fiber to the diet. Additionally, the rum essence and spices used can add a splash of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve the desired result.

2. How can I keep the mucenici fresh?
I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be eaten the next day, but don’t forget to reheat them slightly to regain their soft texture.

3. What is the secret to fluffy mucenici?
Make sure to let the dough rise adequately. Fermentation is essential to achieve fluffy and airy mucenici.

In conclusion, Moldovan mucenici a la Jamila are not only a delicious recipe but also a wonderful way to bring tradition into your kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy every step of the preparation, and most importantly, share this delicacy with your loved ones. Savor every bite!