Cheese and almond pastries

Cheese and almond pogacele: a crispy and flavorful delicacy

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of a warm pastry filling the air with delicious scents? Cheese and almond pogacele are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a family meal, a party, or simply a savory snack. These little treats are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and the combination of cheese and almonds gives them a unique and sophisticated flavor. Get ready to be impressed by this simple recipe with a spectacular result!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 10-12 hours (ideally overnight)
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 20 pogacele

Ingredients

- 500 g wheat flour
- 300 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 100 g grated cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 100 ml cold whipping cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 egg white (for brushing)
- Almond flakes (for decoration)
- Chili flakes (for an extra kick)

Ingredient details

- Flour: Choose high-quality flour to achieve an elastic and well-structured dough. Type 550 flour is ideal for this type of recipe.
- Margarine or butter: If you want a more intense flavor, use butter. Margarine will give a lighter dough but with a milder flavor.
- Cheese: Choose aged cheese for a stronger taste. Always grated for better incorporation into the dough.
- Whipping cream: Ensure it is cold to help create a fluffy texture.

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, margarine (or butter), and salt. Gently rub with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling breadcrumbs.
2. In another container, add the cold whipping cream. Crumble the fresh yeast on top, add the sugar and egg yolks. Mix well to dissolve the yeast.
3. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and start kneading. Continue until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If necessary, add a little milk to improve the consistency.

Step 2: Chilling the dough

1. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 10-12 hours (ideally overnight). This step is essential to achieve fluffy and airy pogacele.

Step 3: Shaping the pogacele

1. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 2 cm.
2. Fold the dough in half and repeat the rolling and folding process twice. This will ensure multiple layers in each pogacele, making them fluffier.
3. Once finished, roll out the dough again and brush it with lightly beaten egg white, which will give a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 4: Adding flavors

1. Sprinkle chili flakes and almond flakes on the brushed surface, adding a spicy and crunchy note.
2. Using a round or square cutter, cut out the pogacele from the dough and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising.

Step 5: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pogacele are golden and slightly browned.

Personal note:
If you want to impress even more, try adding a bit of crumbled feta cheese to the dough for a stronger flavor or even dried herbs like oregano or dill for added aroma.

Serving and pairings

Cheese and almond pogacele are excellent warm, but can also be served at room temperature. Perfect alongside a glass of dry white wine or a blonde beer, they will surely be the stars of the meal. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt dip.

Nutritional benefits

These pogacele contain protein from cheese, which is essential for muscle development, and healthy fats from margarine or butter, which provide energy. Almond flakes not only add a crunchy texture but are also a source of vitamin E and magnesium.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or goat cheese.
- How can I store the pogacele? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For greater freshness, you can freeze them.
- How can I make pogacele lower in calories? You can reduce the amount of margarine or butter, replacing some of it with Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that the texture will be different.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to start cooking! Enjoy every step of the process and savor the final result: cheese and almond pogacele, a delicious snack that will impress everyone! Enjoy your meal!