Coca de Llardons

Coca de Llardons is a traditional Catalan pastry that is particularly popular during the Carnival season. With its origins deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Catalonia, Spain, this savory pastry combines the richness of pork cracklings known as llardons with the subtle sweetness of a flaky pastry.

The history of Coca de Llardons can be traced back to rural Catalonia, where simple ingredients were readily available to create comforting and hearty dishes. Traditionally, cocas were a way to use up leftover ingredients, and the addition of pork cracklings imparted a distinct flavor, making these pastries both memorable and unique.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry (1 sheet)
• Llardons (pork cracklings) (150g)
• Sugar (50g)
• Pine nuts (20g)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Anisette (optional, for flavor)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure the puff pastry is thawed if it was frozen, and crush the pork cracklings into smaller pieces if they are too large. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2: Rolling Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, maintaining an even thickness throughout. It should be approximately the size of your baking sheet. Transfer the rolled-out pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Adding the Toppings

Evenly spread the crushed pork cracklings over the surface of the pastry. Sprinkle the sugar and pine nuts over the top, pressing lightly into the pastry to ensure they adhere.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg to create a golden crust once baked. For an additional layer of flavor, sprinkle a few drops of anisette across the top, if desired.

Cooking Process

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Allow the pastry to bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the cooking timer indicates that the pastry is fully cooked. The puff pastry should be light and flaky.

How to Enjoy Coca de Llardons

Coca de Llardons is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors of the pork cracklings and pine nuts to meld perfectly with the sweet sugar topping. It can be sliced into squares and served as a delightful snack or dessert.

Pair it with a glass of sweet, chilled anisette to complement the anise flavor in the pastry. Coca de Llardons makes for an excellent treat during festivities, bringing a touch of Catalan tradition to any gathering.