Mountain Martyrs

Moldovan Martyrs: a traditional and delicious recipe for the celebration on March 9

Moldovan martyrs are a delicacy that combines tradition with refined taste, being prepared especially during the holiday season. These small '8' shaped dough pieces are often associated with the celebration of March 9, when the 40 martyrs are commemorated, but they can be enjoyed anytime as a sweet and comforting dessert. Discover how to prepare delicious martyrs from scratch in a simple and engaging way.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including drying time)
Number of servings: 10-12 martyrs

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 250 g flour (choose a high-quality flour for the best results)
- 120 - 140 ml warm water
- a pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g honey (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 bottles of rum essence
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- grated peel of one lemon
- a cinnamon stick (optional, for intense flavor)

For decoration:
- 200 g walnuts
- ground cinnamon (for serving)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. It is important not to add too much water, as the dough should be easy to shape.

2. Kneading the dough: Continue kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and homogeneous. There is no need to add flour to the working surface as the dough shouldn't stick.

3. Shaping the martyrs: Divide the dough into pieces of about 20 g each. Using your palms, roll each piece between your palms and on the working surface to form a thin string. Then, join the ends of the string and twist it to obtain the shape of an '8'. Press lightly on the spot where the dough overlaps to secure it.

4. Drying the martyrs: Place the martyrs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or directly on the working surface. Let them dry at room temperature for a few hours or ideally overnight. This step is essential for achieving a perfect texture after boiling.

5. Preparing the syrup: After the martyrs have dried, bring 2-3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon stick. When the water starts to boil, add the martyrs and let them cook over medium heat for 1 hour - 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you prefer a more subtle cinnamon flavor, you can remove the cinnamon stick immediately after adding the martyrs.

6. Preparing the walnuts: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the walnuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast them for 5-10 minutes until they start to emit a pleasant aroma. Then, use a rolling pin to crush them lightly.

7. Finalizing the dish: After the martyrs are cooked, add the honey, lemon peel, and rum essence, mixing well to combine the flavors.

8. Serving the martyrs: Place the martyrs in a bowl, pour the syrup over them, and sprinkle the crushed walnuts and a dash of ground cinnamon on top. This mixture will provide not only a unique taste but also an attractive presentation.

Serving suggestion: The martyrs can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, alongside a fragrant tea or a glass of mulled wine, which will perfectly complement the sweet and spiced flavors of the dish.

Nutritional benefits: These Moldovan martyrs are a good source of carbohydrates, thanks to the flour and sugar, and provide healthy fats from the walnuts. The honey adds not only sweetness but also antioxidants, making this recipe a delicious choice for celebrations.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be different.

2. How can I store leftover martyrs?
- The martyrs can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can gently reheat them before serving.

3. Can I add other flavors?
- Of course! You can experiment with almond or orange essences for a personalized touch.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking! Moldovan martyrs are not only a delicious recipe but also a way to bring tradition into your home, enjoying pleasant moments with your loved ones. So let’s celebrate together!