Quince jam spiral dessert

Quince Jam Spiral Recipe - A Lenten Delight

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Resting time: 90 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 spirals

In a world full of sweet temptations, the quince jam spiral recipe is a perfect choice for those who want to indulge in a delicious dessert while observing Lent. This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also offers an explosion of flavors and textures, turning an ordinary meal into something memorable. Let's discover together how to prepare these appetizing spirals step by step!

A Brief History

Quince jam spirals have a long-standing history, with deep roots in culinary traditions. These treats are often associated with moments of conviviality and celebration, frequently served at family gatherings or festivities. The distinct aroma of quince jam adds a touch of elegance and a slightly tangy taste, perfectly balanced by the flaky dough. These spirals can easily become the favorite dessert of your loved ones!

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g pastry flour (for a finer dough, make sure to use quality flour)
- 200-250 ml warm water (warm water helps activate the gluten in the flour)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (to improve the dough's texture)
- 2 tablespoons oil (oil helps achieve a flaky dough)
- Oil for greasing the sheets (make sure you have enough)
- Quince jam (or any preferred jam, according to taste)

Necessary Utensils

- A large bowl for mixing the ingredients
- A rolling pin (or you can use your hands to roll out the dough)
- A baking tray lined with parchment paper
- A bowl for covering the dough

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Sifting helps aerate the flour, which will improve the dough's texture. Create a well in the center of the flour and add the vinegar and oil. Begin mixing, gradually adding warm water. It’s important not to add all the water at once so you can control the dough's consistency.

2. Kneading the Dough
When the dough starts to come together (it doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth), stop kneading and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle.

3. Continuing to Knead
After the 15 minutes, resume kneading. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then throw it into the bowl 50 times to activate the gluten. This step will make the dough elastic and easy to roll out. Cover the bowl with a plate and let it sit for 30 minutes.

4. Portioning the Dough
Once the dough has rested, divide it into 10-12 pieces the size of a medium apple. Flatten each piece and generously grease it with oil, then place them on a plate. Letting them sit for an hour will yield dough that is much easier to roll out.

5. Rolling Out the Sheets
After the resting time, prepare a working surface greased with oil. Use a rolling pin or your hands to roll each piece of dough as thin as possible. Be careful not to tear the dough, but don’t worry if it’s imperfect; this adds charm to the dessert.

6. Filling and Rolling
Once you have thin sheets, spread the quince jam along the edge of each sheet and start rolling the dough to form a log. After rolling, twist the log into a spiral shape. This detail is what will make your spirals look truly tempting.

7. Baking
Place the spirals on the lined baking tray, brushing the tops with a little oil. Preheat the oven to 190-200 degrees Celsius and bake the spirals for 35-40 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these spirals will delight your senses!

Serving and Variations

Quince jam spirals are delicious served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or pair them with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a chocolate sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Variations
Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can replace quince jam with any other preferred jam, such as raspberry or peach jam, depending on the season and your preferences. You can also add chopped nuts or cinnamon to the jam for an extra flavor boost.

Helpful Tips

- Choose the Right Flour: Pastry flour is ideal due to its lower gluten content, which makes the dough flakier. If you don’t have it, you can use regular flour, but the results will differ slightly.
- Ingredient Temperature: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast correctly and not damage the oil.
- Finding the Perfect Jam: If you want to customize your spirals, feel free to use berry jams or even melted chocolate for a decadent variation.

Nutritional Benefits

These quince jam spirals are a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Moderately used pastry flour can be part of a balanced diet. Quince jam, rich in antioxidants, adds not only a delicious taste but also health benefits, such as supporting the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of jam?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and quince jam can be replaced with any other preferred type.

2. How can I store the spirals?
These spirals can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.

3. Can I freeze the spirals?
Yes! Unbaked spirals can be frozen. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a sealed container and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to embark on your culinary adventure! Making quince jam spirals is not just a cooking process but also an opportunity to create memories and bring joy to those around you. So put on your apron, don your gloves, and enjoy every step of this wonderful recipe!