Placinta
Introduction to Placinta
Placinta is a traditional Romanian pastry that has established itself as a cherished culinary delight across various cultures. Its origins trace back to Roman times, where it was elaborated from simple dough filled with cheese or honey. Over centuries, it has evolved into numerous variations that include savory fillings like cheese, potato, and cabbage, as well as sweet assortments such as apple and cherry.
Ingredients
Preparation
Dough Preparation
Start by preparing the dough. Combine 500g of flour with a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Dissolve one packet of yeast in warm water and let it sit until it becomes frothy. Mix the yeast with the flour and gradually add 200ml of milk, 100g of melted butter, and one beaten egg. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth and elastic dough. You may need to add more flour to prevent sticking. Once ready, coat the dough with a tablespoon of olive oil, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Filling Preparation
Cheese Filling
For the cheese filling, crumble 200g of cheese into a bowl. You can use feta or a similar salty cheese. Add one egg and a dash of pepper. Mix until well combined.
Potato Filling
Peel and boil 2 large potatoes until tender. Mash them with a fork and mix in a chopped onion that has been sautéed until golden. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cabbage Filling
Finely shred a small head of cabbage and sauté it with a chopped onion in a pan until soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly and Cooking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Divide the dough into equal portions depending on how many placintas you wish to make. Roll each portion into a thin circle. Place a generous spoonful of your desired filling in the center of each circle, fold the dough over the filling, and seal the edges by pinching them together.
Baking
Transfer the filled placintas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each placinta with beaten egg for a golden finish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown. Use a cooking timer to ensure precise timing.
Serving Suggestions
Placinta is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a dollop of sour cream. For a more traditional approach, serve with a Romanian wine or a robust cup of coffee. Whether part of a festive table or a simple gourmet snack, placinta will surely be a highlight that tantalizes the taste buds with its delicious layers of flavor.