Delicious Low-Yeast Pastries with Beet Jam Filling

These low-yeast pastries are an exquisite treat, perfect for enjoying with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. The dough is tender and elastic, creating a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of beet jam filling. The addition of a small amount of alcohol helps in achieving a unique flakiness, enhancing the overall experience. These pastries are a wonderful choice for those who prefer a less sweet, subtly flavored baked good. The recipe is surprisingly simple, yet the results are impressive enough to serve at any gathering. With just a few basic ingredients found in most kitchens, you can whip up a batch of these delicate pastries. Preparation involves a few resting stages to ensure the dough's optimal elasticity and flavor. Perfectly golden from the oven, they'll be a hit among friends and family alike. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is crafted to offer success and satisfaction. Enjoy crafting these delightful pastries that reflect the warmth and creativity of homemade baking.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 small egg
• 250 g flour
• Water
• 50 g butter (plus a small amount to grease surface)
• Beet jam for filling (if too runny, add a spoon of semolina)

Spices and Flavors:

• 1 tbsp vodka or another alcohol (optional)
• 1.5 tsp vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 120 minutes
• Preparation: 40 minutes
• Resting: 80 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Crack the egg into a glass, add the vodka, and fill with water until the liquid measures 140 ml.
2. Beat the mixture with a fork and pour it into a bowl.
3. Add salt, vanilla sugar, and vinegar; stir well to combine.
4. Gradually sift in the flour, beginning with one cup, mixing thoroughly.
5. Add another half cup of flour and begin kneading the dough.
6. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle more flour as needed and continue kneading.
7. The dough should feel soft, elastic, and smooth, without sticking.
8. Place the dough in a bag and let it rest at room temperature for an hour or longer, if convenient.
9. After resting, roll the dough into a thin rectangle; it should be thin enough to almost see through.
10. To prevent sticking, lightly grease the surface with melted butter before rolling.
11. Butter the rolled dough with 50 g of softened butter.
12. Roll the dough into a log and refrigerate for at least two hours, or freeze for 30 minutes if in a hurry.
13. Chilling helps the butter solidify, making slicing easier.
14. Slice the dough log into approximately 1.5 cm thick rounds.
15. Flatten each slice gently to form a small disc, creating a slight indentation in the center.
16. Fill the center with a spoonful of beet jam or your preferred filling.
17. Place the filled discs onto a baking sheet.
18. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
19. Bake the pastries for about 15 minutes or until they achieve a lovely golden-brown color.
20. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and fragrant pastries!

Tips

• If you prefer non-alcoholic, simply omit the vodka.
• Use any type of jam for the filling if beet jam isn't available.
• Ensure the butter is sufficiently soft for easy spreading without tearing the dough.
• For an extra hint of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.

Nutritions

• Calories: 150 per serving
• Protein: 3 g
• Fats: 5 g
• Carbs: 22 g

Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal and water mixture.
• Use gluten-free flour for those intolerant to gluten.
• Incorporate almond extract for a nutty twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a freshly brewed pot of tea or coffee.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a hint of freshness.

Best Places

• Chez Zee - Known for its scrumptious pastries and cozy atmosphere. Location: Austin, Texas, USA.
• Café Savoy - Classic European pastries in a stunning setting. Location: Prague, Czech Republic.
• Maison Bertaux - An iconic patisserie with delightful offerings. Location: London, UK.
• Café de la Paix - Elegant pastries with a view. Location: Paris, France.
• Pastéis de Belém - Famous for their custard tarts and rich history. Location: Lisbon, Portugal.
• Tartine Bakery - Modern, artisanal pastries that captivate. Location: San Francisco, USA.
• Demel - Historic and opulent cakes and confections. Location: Vienna, Austria.
• Toraya - Offers traditional Japanese confectionery. Location: Tokyo, Japan.
• La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac - Chic patisserie with exquisite flavors. Location: Paris, France.
• Bäckerei-Konditorei Göttinger - A blend of tradition and innovation in pastries. Location: Zurich, Switzerland.