Plum Mosocoarne

Plum Mosocoarne – A Traditional Recipe with a Taste of Memories

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 servings

Plum mosocoarne are more than just a simple dessert; they are a true treasure of culinary tradition, passed down from generation to generation. I remember how my great-grandmother used to prepare them in the bread oven, and their enticing aroma would fill the entire house. These fluffy delights are perfect at any time of the day, whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a sweet snack between meals. Additionally, they are an excellent way to use frozen plums.

Ingredients

- 1 kg of flour – for a fluffy and airy dough.
- 1 cube of fresh yeast – the key to achieving the perfect texture.
- 400 ml of warm water – helps activate the yeast.
- 1 tablespoon of salt – to enhance the flavor.
- 3 tablespoons of oil – preferably sunflower oil, but you can also use olive oil for a different taste.
- 400 g of frozen plums – the best are Bistrita plums, sweet and meaty.
- 100 g of sugar – to sweeten the filling.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – brings a warm and comforting note.
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar – for a subtle and sweet aroma.

Helpful tips about ingredients

- Plums: Make sure the plums are of good quality, as the final taste depends heavily on them. If you don’t have frozen plums, you can use fresh ones, but you will need to pit them.
- Yeast: Check the expiration date of the yeast. Fresh yeast will make the dough rise beautifully.
- Flour: You can use type 650 flour for optimal texture, but if you want a healthier dough, you can mix it with whole wheat flour.

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Crumble the yeast cube into this well and add a teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of warm water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast forms a foam.

2. Forming the dough: After the yeast has risen, add the remaining warm water and salt. Start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon, then add the oil. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes or until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

3. Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a damp towel, for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling

4. Plum filling: In a bowl, add the thawed plums, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla sugar. Mix well to combine the flavors. Let the filling sit for a few minutes to blend the aroma.

Forming the mosocoarne

5. Preheating the oven: Start preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

6. Shaping the dough: After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut the dough into cubes of desired size.

7. Filling: Place a tablespoon of the plum filling on each cube. Fold the four corners of the cube inward, making sure the filling doesn’t leak during baking.

8. Placing in the tray: Turn each mosocoarnă with the open side down and place them in a greased and floured tray. Continue until you finish all the dough.

Baking

9. Baking: Bake the mosocoarne in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until they turn golden and have a firm crust.

10. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, sprinkle them with water mixed with a little sugar and cover them with a towel to keep them moist and fluffy.

Serving suggestions

Plum mosocoarne are delicious served warm, but you can also enjoy them cold, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of fragrant tea. You can add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Variations

If you want to play with flavors, you can experiment with various fillings. For example, you can add chopped nuts or almonds, or you can use other fruits such as apples or peaches. You can also replace cinnamon with cardamom for an exotic taste.

Nutritional benefits

These mosocoarne are a good source of carbohydrates from flour, and the plums add essential fiber and vitamins (A and C). Additionally, plums have antioxidant properties and are known for their beneficial effects on digestion.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, you can use other fruits, but the baking time may vary.

How can I store mosocoarne?
They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Can I freeze mosocoarne?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Make sure to thaw them completely before baking.

Plum mosocoarne are a simple yet flavorful recipe that will make you feel at home. Enjoy!