Pogaca with cracklings

Pogăcele with cracklings - a traditional and comforting delight

Welcome to the world of enticing aromas and soulful recipes! Today we invite you to discover a delicious recipe for pogăcele with cracklings, a perfect snack for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends, a festive meal, or simply a well-deserved break during the day. These pogăcele are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor, thanks to the aromatic crackling filling. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 3 hours (in three stages)
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 pogăcele

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 ml warm milk
- 1 egg (lightly beaten with a fork)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted lard (or unsalted butter, if you prefer)
- 600 g flour
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast

For the filling:
- 300 g crackling paste (preferably high quality, from pork)
- 1 teaspoon cumin, coarsely ground
- 1 egg for brushing

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine in the following order: warm milk, beaten egg, sugar, salt, melted lard, flour, and dry yeast. Set the machine to the kneading and rising program. This process will take about an hour.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand in a large bowl. Add the ingredients in the same way and knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, mix the crackling paste with cumin. It is important to use quality cracklings, as this ingredient will give flavor and taste to the pogăcele. Divide the mixture into three equal parts and set aside.

3. Forming the pogăcele:
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Evenly distribute the first part of the crackling filling over half of the dough, then fold the other half over the filling.

Tricks for perfect dough:
- Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out the dough. This will prevent it from sticking to the surface.
- After folding, let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes before repeating the process with the other two parts of the filling.

4. Refrigeration:
After you have repeated the filling process twice, cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step will give it a better texture when baked and make the pogăcele fluffier.

5. Cutting and baking:
Once the dough has cooled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out again to a thickness of about 1 cm. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Place the pogăcele on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush each pogăcel with it using a brush. Sprinkle a little cumin on top to enhance the aroma.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the pogăcele for 20 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

Serving

Once removed from the oven, let the pogăcele cool slightly on a rack. They are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They are ideal alongside a cup of yogurt or a spicy tomato sauce, which will perfectly complement the savory flavor of the cracklings.

History of pogăcele

Pogăcele with cracklings are a traditional recipe with deep roots in culinary culture, often prepared in households as a way to utilize leftover meat. These hearty snacks have become popular due to their versatility and unmistakable taste, making them an ideal choice for festive meals or gatherings with friends.

Nutritional benefits

Pogăcele with cracklings are rich in protein due to the meat content, and the lard adds healthy fats necessary for the body. Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier version, bringing more fiber into the diet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use another type of filling?
Of course! These pogăcele can be filled with cheese, greens, or even mushrooms, offering a variety of flavors.

How can I store pogăcele?
Pogăcele can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

Can I freeze pogăcele?
Yes, these pogăcele can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, you can store them in freezer bags. When you want to bake them, simply take them out of the freezer and bake them directly, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Customized version

For a personal touch, try adding fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the crackling paste for an extra freshness. You can also experiment with other spices, such as smoked paprika or garlic granules, to add a distinctive flavor.

Enjoy every bite of these pogăcele with cracklings and turn every meal into a celebration of taste! Bon appétit!