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Poale-n brâu - Moldovan Cheese Pastries

At the heart of Romanian culinary tradition, poale-n brâu pastries hold a well-established place, representing not just a recipe, but also a story filled with nostalgia and flavor. These delicious pastries filled with sweet cheese are a symbol of Moldovan cuisine, often prepared during holidays and family gatherings. Their enticing aroma and soft texture make them perfect for serving as both a dessert and a delightful snack.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Key ingredients:
- 700 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 500 g sweet cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup warm water (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cup oil (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 100 g raisins
- Zest of 1 lemon

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, place the flour and make a small well in the center. In this well, add the crumbled yeast cube and pour in the warm water. Gently mix to dissolve the yeast. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and airy dough, so make sure the water is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Add the oil, 100 g of sugar, lemon zest, and two eggs to the bowl. Mix the ingredients well until you have a homogeneous mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. It’s important to knead the dough for 5-7 minutes to activate the gluten, ensuring a perfect texture for the pastries.

Step 3: Letting the dough rise
After kneading the dough, place it in a warm spot, covered with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. If you want to speed up the process, you can place the dough in an oven preheated to 30 degrees Celsius, being careful to monitor it.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese, raisins, one egg, the remaining sugar (100 g), and the leftover lemon zest. Stir well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. You can soak the raisins in warm water for 15 minutes to make them fluffier, which will add extra flavor to the pastries.

Step 5: Shaping the pastries
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on your work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you have a sheet about a finger thick. Cut the sheet into squares of approximately 15 cm. Place a teaspoon of the cheese filling in the center of each square and fold the corners to form a “coin” or “poale-n brâu.” Gently press the corners to ensure the pastries do not open during baking.

Step 6: Baking the pastries
Place the shaped pastries in a non-stick baking tray, leaving about 1 cm between them to allow for rising. Beat an egg yolk and brush each pastry with it to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Let the pastries rise in the tray for another 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the pastries for 30 minutes or until they become golden. When they are ready, you can dust them with sugar for a more festive look, although they are delicious even without sugar.

Useful tips and variations:
- You can substitute the sweet cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese for a different texture.
- Add spices like vanilla or cinnamon to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
- If you prefer less sweet flavors, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

Nutritional benefits:
Poale-n brâu pastries contain a combination of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the cheese, and healthy fats from the oil. Moderately consuming these pastries can provide energy and essential nutrients, but be mindful of portion sizes, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the proportions (approximately half the amount).
- How can I store the pastries?
Poale-n brâu can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or frozen to enjoy later.

Serving suggestion:
These pastries are delightful when served warm, alongside a cup of fragrant tea or creamy yogurt. Another idea is to serve them with a vanilla sauce or a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavor.

I invite you to try this traditional poale-n brâu recipe and enjoy the flavor and comfort that each bite brings. Whether you savor them in the company of loved ones or during moments of personal indulgence, these pastries are sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who taste them!