Tender pastries (vegan)

Flaky Lenten Croissants

These flaky Lenten croissants are a perfect choice for those who follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to enjoy a delicious dessert without animal-derived ingredients. Combining a soft texture and sweet flavor, these croissants are ideal for serving alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 16 croissants

The History of Croissants

Croissants have a long tradition in culinary culture, being prepared in various forms and styles over time. They are often associated with moments of celebration and conviviality. Lenten croissants, in particular, are a popular option due to their versatility, as they can be filled with jam, nuts, or even Turkish delight, offering a variety of flavors for every taste.

Ingredients

- 500 g flour (about 4-5 cups, depending on the type of flour)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (about 1 cup)
- 125 ml borscht (about ½ cup)
- 125 ml oil (about ½ cup)
- 180 g sugar (about ¾ cup)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for the chocolate version)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Jam of your choice (about 200 g)

Useful Items

- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups for ingredients
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or oil for greasing the tray

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Activating the yeast: In a bowl, add the fresh yeast to a little lukewarm water (about 50 ml from the 250 ml). Let it activate for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Make sure the water is not too hot; otherwise, the yeast will die, and the dough will not rise.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast, borscht, oil, and the rest of the lukewarm water. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until the dough starts to form.

3. Kneading the dough: Gradually add flour, continuing to knead until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. If necessary, add a little extra flour to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Leave one part plain, and in the other part, add the 4 tablespoons of cocoa. Knead well until the cocoa is completely incorporated.

5. Rising: Cover both pieces of dough with a clean towel and leave them in a warm place for about 1 hour until they double in size.

6. Shaping the croissants: After the dough has risen, divide each piece into 4 equal balls. Take one ball from the white dough and one from the black dough, roll them out with a rolling pin until you get thin sheets. Layer the black sheet over the white one.

7. Cutting: With a knife, cut the overlapped sheets into triangles. Fill the base of each triangle with your preferred jam, then roll from the base of the triangle to the tip, forming a croissant.

8. Baking: Place the croissants on the greased and parchment-lined baking tray. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the croissants for 25-30 minutes until golden and flaky.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Lenten croissants are excellent both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a fragrant tea or coffee, and for an extra touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar after they have cooled. If you want to experiment, try filling them with ground nuts mixed with sugar or diced Turkish delight.

Practical Tips

- Oil: You can use sunflower oil or olive oil, depending on your preference. Olive oil will give a slightly stronger flavor.
- Borscht: Borscht adds a slight sour taste and helps the dough rise. If you don't have borscht, you can use plant-based yogurt or vinegar.
- Rising: Make sure the dough is well covered to prevent it from drying out during rising. A warm but not hot place is ideal.
- Flour: The type of flour used can influence the final texture of the croissants. Wheat flour is the most commonly used, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each croissant has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of sugar used. These croissants are rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy. Additionally, using borscht and natural ingredients contributes to better digestion, and the jam adds vitamins and antioxidants, depending on the fruits used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, simply use 7 g of dry yeast, activating it according to the instructions on the package.
- What jam should I choose? Any preferred jam is suitable; plum or apricot jam are popular options.
- Can I freeze the croissants? Yes, croissants can be frozen after they have completely cooled. Wrap them in cling film and place them in an airtight container.

Experiment with this recipe for flaky Lenten croissants and enjoy a tasty dessert that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones! Whether you savor them with family or give them as a gift, these croissants are always an inspired choice.