Fluffy and Delicious Light Pastries: A Delightful Treat
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these incredibly fluffy and delicious light pastries. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these pastries are easy to make and can be baked or fried to golden perfection. Follow this detailed recipe to make light, airy pastries that will be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups (350 g) of flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons (8 g) of dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
- A little oil (for frying)
For Finishing:
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling light pastries)
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Number of Servings: 12
Step-by-Step Instructions
Kneading the Dough
Activate the Yeast:
In a deep bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sugar and 8 g of dry yeast. Stir in 120 ml of warm milk and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Add 1 room temperature egg, 2 tablespoons of oil, and 6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice to the yeast mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Add Flour:
Gradually add 2 3/4 cups of flour mixed with a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer until it is smooth and elastic.
Shaping the Pastries
Prepare the Dough:
Press the dough into a bowl and make a well in the middle. Pour in 1 tablespoon of melted butter and knead until the butter is fully absorbed into the dough.
Let it Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Divide and Shape:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Let the dough balls rest for a few minutes.
Create Flower Shapes:
Roll out each dough ball into a thin roll and then shape them into flowers or any desired shape.
Baking or Frying
Frying the Pastries:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shaped dough until golden brown on both sides. This will take about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the fried pastries on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Baking the Pastries:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and soft.
Final Touch: Sprinkling with Sugar
Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar:
After the pastries are cooked, sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Light Pastries
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and texture in your dough. - Proper Kneading:
Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to develop the gluten, which helps in achieving a fluffy texture. - Even Shaping:
Try to shape the pastries evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate, whether baking or frying. - Temperature Control:
Maintain a consistent temperature when frying to avoid burning the pastries and to ensure they cook through evenly.
Serving Suggestions
These light pastries are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a Breakfast Treat:
Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea. - For a Sweet Snack:
Enjoy the pastries as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. - As a Dessert:
Pair the pastries with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a delightful dessert.
Conclusion
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these fluffy and delicious light pastries that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, these pastries are sure to be a hit. Follow this detailed recipe to enjoy a sweet, airy treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Happy baking!