Coca de San Juan: Discover How to Make this Traditional Pastry
Coca de Sant Joan is a traditional Catalan pastry that is often enjoyed during the celebration of Sant Joan (Saint John) in Catalonia, Spain. It's a sweet flatbread topped with various ingredients, and it's especially popular around the summer solstice. Here's a basic recipe for Coca de Sant Joan:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups All purpose flour
- ½ cup Warm milk
- ½ cup Warm water
- ½ cup Olive oil
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 packet Active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tsp Salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Candied fruits (mix of orange peel, citron, etc.)
- 1 cup Pine nuts
- Sugar for sprinkling
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and warm water. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the liquid. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large circle on a floured surface. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Arrange the candied fruits and pine nuts on top of the dough. Optionally, sprinkle some lemon zest over the toppings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. While it's still warm, sprinkle sugar over the top.
- Slice and serve the Coca de Sant Joan at room temperature.