Skirts up

I propose that we make together a delicious recipe for "Poale-n brâu", a delicacy that carries memories and traditions, loved by many generations. This dish is perfect for a savory breakfast or a sweet snack, and its fluffy texture and aromatic filling will delight your senses.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Working time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 550-600 g flour (choose a good quality flour, type 000 for a fluffy result)
- 100 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 200 ml milk (heated, but not hot)
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or canola oil works best)
- 25 g fresh yeast (make sure it is fresh for a well-risen dough)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one orange (for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)

For the filling:
- 500 g unsalted cheese (cottage cheese is ideal)
- 150-200 g sugar (depending on how sweet you want the filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of one orange
- Raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activating the yeast:
In a glass, mix 25 g of fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Add two tablespoons of warm milk and half a teaspoon of flour. Let the mixture ferment for at least 10 minutes in a warm place. You will know it is ready when the volume has increased and bubbles appear.

2. Preparing the milk and sugar:
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, add 200 ml of milk and 100 g of sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.

3. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift 550-600 g of flour together with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast. Add the eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Start incorporating the flour, gradually adding the warm milk.

4. Kneading:
Once you have a homogeneous dough, start kneading. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little oil and continue kneading for about 15-30 minutes. It is important to be patient, as a well-kneaded dough will be fluffier. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes.

5. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, mix 500 g of cheese, 150-200 g of sugar, 2 eggs, a packet of vanilla sugar, and the orange zest. If you like raisins, you can add them now.

6. Shaping the poale-n brâu:
After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the sheet into squares of about 15 cm. In the center of each square, place a tablespoon of cheese filling. Fold the corners of the squares towards the center, then press to seal. This way, you will get a round shape.

7. Second rising:
Arrange the shaped pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise again for another hour.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Before placing them in the oven, brush each piece with a mixture of egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden. If they brown too quickly, cover them with a sheet of parchment paper.

9. Serving:
After they have cooled slightly, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more attractive appearance. These poale-n brâu are delicious both warm and cold.

Useful Tips

- Temperature: Maintaining a constant temperature of about 21.5 degrees is essential for proper fermentation. If it is too cold, the yeast will not ferment properly.
- Filling: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or goat cheese, for a different flavor.
- Variations: Instead of orange, you can use lemon zest or even cinnamon for a more exotic taste.

Nutritional Benefits

These poale-n brâu are a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs and cheese, and the oil adds healthy fats. The cheese also provides essential calcium for bones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, it is possible! Use about 8 g of dry yeast, activating it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I store poale-n brâu?
They are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for longer storage.

3. What drinks pair well with poale-n brâu?
They pair perfectly with fruit tea, warm milk, or even a sweet wine.

I hope this poale-n brâu recipe will inspire you to try making them at home. Their delicate taste, orange aroma, and fluffy texture will turn any meal into a celebration! Enjoy!