Siera Barancinas Recipe

Siera Barancinas are delightful, cheese-infused pastries that offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. They're great for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. What makes them unique is their slightly crispy texture outside, while soft and cheesy inside, creating a truly satisfying bite. The dough is infused with a hint of brandy, lending a subtle warmth to the taste, though it can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version. Perfect for both family gatherings and solo indulgence, these pastries showcase a blend of simple ingredients to achieve a fantastic result. The addition of milk in the mixture ensures the pastries remain tender, while the oil gives a nice sheen. Ideal for those passionate about trying different flavors, siera barancinas can be varied with different spices or toppings. Whether you decide on a sweet or savory route, they're irresistibly delicious and a treat to be enjoyed on any occasion. Follow the detailed steps below for a successful bake, and delight in the versatility and flavor of this traditional pastry.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust if desired sweetness is higher)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (increase to 1 teaspoon if a saltier flavor is preferred)
• 1 teaspoon brandy (or substitute with another spirit, or omit if not available)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• A handful of grated cheese
• 100 ml milk
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 2 cups flour (using 250 ml cups)

Preparation Time

40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, salt, sugar, brandy, and baking soda. Mix well.
2. Add in the warm milk and oil, mixing until fully integrated.
3. Gradually mix in the grated cheese for that special cheesy flavor.
4. Pour in 1.5 cups of flour into the mixture and start kneading the dough.
5. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour while kneading the dough until it is no longer sticky to the touch.
6. The dough should be elastic and moist, yet not too dry or crumbly.
7. Place the dough in a bag or cover it and let it rest for 40 minutes to rise.
8. After resting, roll out the dough on a flat surface.
9. Use a glass to cut out circle shapes, then make smaller holes in their centers using a smaller glass.
10. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding butter or oil, salt, or sugar depending on the flavor you aim for.
11. Carefully drop the dough rings into the boiling water.
12. Once they float, cook them for an additional 10 seconds.
13. Remove and transfer the rings onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
14. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
15. Bake the pastries at this temperature for 10 minutes.
16. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 180 degrees and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
17. The pastries should be crispy yet soft.
18. For a harder texture, omit the baking soda.
19. Enjoy the varied textures and flavors as you sample each pastry.
20. Feel free to adjust the recipe with your favorite seeds or brush with beaten egg for a decorative glaze.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can replace brandies with rum or omit it entirely.
• Flavor Variations: Add more spices such as cumin or caraway for a unique twist.
• Toppings: Sprinkle seeds like sesame or poppy before baking for extra crunch.

Nutritions

• Calories: 180 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 7g
• Carbs: 22g

Variations

• For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water).
• Gluten-free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair siera barancinas with soup or salad for a light meal.
• Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.
• Serve with a side of creamy cheese spread or fruit jam.

Best Places

1. Cafe de Paris - Known for its charming atmosphere and delicious European pastries. Location: 24 Rue Royale, Brussels, Belgium.
2. Bakery Bliss - Favorite spot for artisan breads and pastries. Location: 75 Queen St W, Toronto, Canada.
3. Cheesy Delights Bistro - Offers a variety of cheese-infused dishes. Location: 122 St. Martin's Lane, London, UK.
4. Pastelaria da Esquina - Traditional Portuguese pastries with a modern twist. Location: Rua dos Remédios 96, Lisbon, Portugal.
5. The Savory Bakehouse - Perfect for savory snacks and pastries. Location: 123 Charing Cross Road, London, UK.
6. Patisserie Simone - Renowned for its delightful pastry selection. Location: Rue de Belleville, Paris, France.
7. Tasty Treats Cafe - Offers a wide selection of baked goods, perfect for any palate. Location: 48 Piccadilly, Manchester, UK.
8. Dolci Delizie - Known for its Italian-style pastries. Location: Via Roma 101, Rome, Italy.
9. The Corner Pastry Shop - Local favorite for fresh morning pastries. Location: 5th Avenue & Main St, Los Angeles, USA.
10. The Pastry Corner - Offers a blend of traditional and innovative pastries. Location: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.