Pastries with lard

Savory Pastries with Lard – a traditional recipe full of flavor and nostalgia

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Total time: 35-38 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will teach you how to make savory pastries with lard, a classic recipe that brings back childhood memories and festive family meals. These pastries are crunchy on the outside and delicious on the inside, filled with fruit jam. The lard gives them a unique texture and specific flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use shortening, which will add a special taste.

A brief history of the recipe

Savory pastries are a traditional dessert, appreciated in many cultures, often associated with winter holidays or family gatherings. Over time, different variations have emerged, each with the flavors and ingredients specific to the region. This lard recipe is an ideal choice for those looking for a less common alternative to butter or oil. Lard, an ingredient derived from pig fat, offers a deep taste and surprising texture that will turn every bite into a true pleasure.

Necessary ingredients

- 250 g lard (or shortening)
- 150 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 g sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 500-600 g flour (sifted)
- Fruit jam (preferably plum or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step by step: how to prepare the savory pastries with lard

1. Preparing the lard: Make sure the lard is at room temperature. In a large bowl, mix the lard well with the sugar. Use a spatula or whisk to ensure the mixture becomes creamy and homogeneous.

2. Activating the yeast: In another bowl, pour the warm milk (not hot!) and add the yeast. Stir gently until the yeast completely dissolves, then let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential to activate the yeast and obtain a fluffy dough.

3. Combining the ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, add the yeast mixture to the lard mixed with sugar. Add the salt, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, and mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.

4. Kneading the dough: Start adding the sifted flour gradually until you obtain a dough that is just firm enough. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so it doesn’t become too tough.

5. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour. This step will help the dough firm up, making it easier to shape.

6. Shaping the pastries: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin sheet. Cut the dough into squares about 5 cm on each side.

7. Filling and rolling: In each square, place a small portion of jam. You can choose your favorite jam, but make sure it is thick enough not to run. Roll each square into a crescent shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. There is no need to grease the pan, as the lard will prevent sticking.

8. Baking the pastries: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pastries for 15-18 minutes until they turn slightly golden. You will smell a delightful aroma throughout the house!

9. Decorating: As soon as you take them out of the oven, roll the warm pastries in powdered sugar. This step will not only add a touch of sweetness but also a delicate appearance.

Serving suggestions and variations

Savory pastries with lard are excellent served warm or at room temperature. You can pair them with a cup of fruit tea or coffee, and for an extra flavor boost, a caramel or chocolate sauce will turn the dessert into a decadent experience.

If you want to experiment, replace the jam with ground nuts or melted chocolate for delicious variations. You can also add a few drops of almond essence to the dough for an even more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits

These pastries, due to the ingredients used, are a source of energy and nutrients. Lard, although higher in calories, contains healthy fats that can provide a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Whole flour can be a healthy alternative for a higher fiber content, and the jam adds a touch of fruit and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, but lard offers a distinct texture and taste. Shortening is a better alternative than butter, but lard is preferred for this recipe.

2. How can I store the pastries?
The pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them.

3. What else can I add to the dough?
You can experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add an interesting flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started. Enjoy the cooking process and don’t forget to share these delicious pastries with your loved ones! Bon appétit!