Ensaimada: A Sweet Breakfast Delight
Ensaïmada Mallorquina is a delicious pastry that originates from the Spanish island of Mallorca. It's a sweet, coiled pastry made with a rich, yeasted dough and often flavored with a hint of citrus. Here's a recipe for making Ensaïmada Mallorquina at home:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups All purpose flour
- ⅔ cup Warm milk
- ¼ cup Granulatd sugar
- ¼ cup Unsalted butter melted
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 tsp Active dry yeast
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp Salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup Powdered sugar
- ½ cup Unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup Grated cheese traditionally, a mild cheese like Mahón cheese is used (Optional)
- ¼ cup Raisins (Optional)
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, lemon or orange zest, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
- Roll out each ball of dough into a thin oval or rectangle.
- Spread a generous amount of softened butter over the surface of the dough.
- If desired, sprinkle grated cheese and raisins over the buttered dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly into a log or cylinder shape.
- Coil the dough into a spiral shape, tucking the loose end underneath.
- Place the ensaïmada onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough portions.
- Allow the ensaïmadas to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the ensaïmadas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the ensaïmadas from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Dust the top of each ensaïmada with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Ensaïmada Mallorquina is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Enjoy this delightful Spanish pastry with a cup of coffee or tea!