Moldovan Martyrs

Moldovan Martyrs - a traditional Romanian recipe

Moldovan martyrs are a specific delicacy from the Moldova region, symbolizing love and respect for those who gave their lives for faith. These sweet martyrs are perfect to be enjoyed on festive days or during fasting periods. In this recipe, you will discover how to prepare delicious Moldovan martyrs, with a fragrant syrup and nuts, in a simple and pleasant way.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 martyrs

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 250 ml soy milk or water
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil for a neutral taste)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 150 g sugar

For the syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 3-4 tablespoons honey
- Ground walnuts (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Add the sugar into this well. In another container, dissolve the yeast in 50 ml of warm milk or water and let it activate for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mixing the ingredients: After the yeast has risen, pour it into the well with sugar and start mixing the ingredients from the inside out. Alternate between milk and water, gradually incorporating the oil until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 15 minutes on a floured work surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for obtaining fluffy martyrs.

4. Rising: Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 60 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the martyrs: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. From each piece, shape a circle, then join the ends to create a figure 8 shape. Place the martyrs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to medium temperature (about 180°C). Bake the martyrs for 20-25 minutes until golden. Be careful not to leave them at too high a temperature, as they can burn.

7. Preparing the syrup: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, add the water, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring, until you obtain a thicker syrup.

8. Finalizing: After the martyrs have cooled slightly, dip them in the warm syrup for a few seconds, then brush them with honey and sprinkle ground walnuts on top.

Serving suggestions:
Moldovan martyrs can be enjoyed warm, but they are just as delicious cold. Serve them alongside fragrant tea or mulled wine for an unforgettable culinary experience. You can experiment with various toppings, such as coconut flakes or grated chocolate, to add a personal touch.

Variations:
If you want a gluten-free version, try using almond flour or a combination of rice flour and coconut flour. Additionally, adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough can provide an interesting flavor.

Moldovan martyrs represent not only a delicious dessert but also a valuable cultural tradition. Try this simple and quick recipe and bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!