A Strudel with a Savory Soul: Slovakia's Garlic & Cheese Pastry (Cesnakový Závin so Syrom)
Details
This recipe offers a delightful Slovak twist on the classic strudel, swapping sweet fillings for a rich, savory, and intensely aromatic garlic and cheese mixture. Perfect as a standalone snack, an impressive appetizer, or a companion to a hearty soup, this yeasted garlic strudel is a must-try for any true garlic aficionado looking for a comforting and flavorful bake.
Ingredients
For the Dough
For the Garlic Filling
For the Topping
Instructions
Add The Sugar And A Teaspoon Of Flour
In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast into the lukewarm milk. Add the sugar and a teaspoon of flour, stir gently, and set aside in a warm place for about 10 minutes until a foam forms on top.
Combine The Sifted Flour And Salt
In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and the oil. Work the ingredients together, first with a spoon and then by hand, until you form a smooth, pliable dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Beat The Softened Butter With The Crushed Garlic
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with the crushed garlic and salt until well combined and creamy.
Roll Out One Part Of The Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into four equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one part of the dough into a rectangle. Spread one-quarter of the garlic butter evenly over the surface. Tightly roll the dough into a log, creating a strudel (závin). Repeat with the remaining three pieces of dough and filling.
Cover And Let Them Rise For Another 30-60 Minutes
Place the strudels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C.)
Allow Steam To Escape
Brush the tops of the strudels with the egg yolk and sprinkle generously with your choice of coarse salt, caraway seeds, or grated cheese. Prick the tops a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Brown And Crispy
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the strudels are golden brown and crispy. Let them cool slightly before slicing and serving. They are delicious warm as an appetizer or alongside a bowl of soup.
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