Whole Wheat Pastry for Lent

Whole Wheat Vegan Croissants – A Delicious Indulgence

If you're looking for a vegan recipe that combines tradition with health, you've come to the right place! Whole wheat croissants are not just a treat, but also a nutritious choice, perfect for moments when you want to enjoy something sweet without breaking the fasting rules. These tender and aromatic cookies can be served as a snack or as dessert at a meal with friends or family.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: approximately 1 hour
Number of servings: 20-25 croissants

Ingredients:
- 200 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 120 ml warm borscht
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon natural vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 200 g whole wheat flour
- 300 g white flour (type 000)
- 1 tablespoon dried orange peel (optional)
- Plum jam or other fillings of choice (jam, marmalade)

History of Croissants:
Croissants are a delicacy known in many cultures, often associated with holidays and festive meals. These little indulgences have evolved over time, becoming a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. With this recipe, we aim to bring a touch of this tradition into your kitchen, adapting it to be suitable for fasting days.

Step by Step for Delicious Croissants:

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by mixing warm borscht with dry yeast and vanilla sugar. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until the yeast begins to activate and foam forms on the surface. This is when the magic begins!

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the two types of flour (whole wheat and white) together with the pinch of salt. Add the yeast mixture, oil, vanilla extract, and orange peel. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.

3. Resting the Dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving tender and easy-to-shape croissants.

4. Shaping the Croissants:
After the dough has rested, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Roll it out into a thin sheet, about 3-4 mm thick, in the shape of a disc. Cut the disc into equal-sized triangles (about 8-10 cm on each side). Place a teaspoon of filling (jam, marmalade, or your preferred option) at the base of each triangle.

5. Rolling and Baking:
Roll the triangles from the base to the tip, forming croissants. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put them in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.

6. Cooling and Serving:
Once the croissants are ready, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to a platter. Allow them to cool for 15-20 minutes, as the filling can be very hot! After they have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance.

Practical Tips:
- If you want an extra flavor boost, you can add other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Croissants can also be filled with dark chocolate, ground nuts, or dried fruits to vary the taste.
- For a healthier version, you can replace part of the oil with applesauce or plant-based yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes! You can experiment with almond flour, oat flour, or even coconut flour, but you will need to adjust the quantities to achieve the right consistency.

2. How can I store the croissants?
Croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them and thaw them as needed.

3. Can I make these croissants gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to add an additional liquid source, as gluten-free flour absorbs more water.

These whole wheat vegan croissants are not only tasty but also a healthy choice, rich in fiber and nutrients. Served with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are ideal for enjoying with loved ones or bringing a touch of joy to fasting days. Enjoy!