Melindros and ensaimadas are traditional Catalan pastries. Melindros are elongated, while ensaimadas are coiled or twisted. Both feature a soft dough enriched with butter and eggs, yielding a fluffy texture. After baking, they are coated with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and citrus zest.
Ensaimadas are significant in Majorca and traditionally made with lard, though modern recipes use butter. Melindros are similar to other European sweet rolls but are a staple in Catalonia for their simplicity and flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 100 grams sugar
- 100 grams unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center.
2. Whisk eggs and melted butter together in a separate bowl.
3. Warm the milk in a saucepan until it’s just lukewarm. Stir in yeast until dissolved.
4. Pour the egg-butter mixture and the milk-yeast mixture into the well of the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Divide the dough into 12-16 pieces and shape into small balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for another 15-20 minutes.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. While baking, mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and orange zest in a bowl.
11. Cool the pastries for a few minutes before rolling them in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
12. Serve warm with coffee or tea.
Notes:
- Store melindros or ensaimadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- These pastries are ideal for breakfast or as a snack but can be enjoyed at any time of day.
- Experiment with additional flavors like vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist.
Nutrition Value:
1. All-Purpose Flour (500 grams)
- Calories: Approximately 1,800
- Carbohydrates: 375 grams
- Protein: 50 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (such as thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin)
- Minerals: Iron, calcium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy and essential B vitamins for metabolism.
2. Eggs (3 large eggs)
- Calories: Approximately 210
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Cholesterol: 540 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein for muscle repair and growth, vitamins for immune function, and minerals for overall health.
3. Sugar (100 grams)
- Calories: Approximately 387
- Carbohydrates: 100 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides quick energy but lacks essential vitamins and minerals.
4. Unsalted Butter (100 grams)
- Calories: Approximately 717
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 81 grams
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fat, which adds flavor and texture, and provides essential vitamins like A and D.
5. Milk (1 cup)
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Sodium: 98 mg
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein, calcium for bone health, and essential vitamins.
6. Active Dry Yeast (1 packet, approximately 7 grams)
- Calories: Approximately 21
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (such as niacin and folate)
- Minerals: Iron, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains B vitamins and minerals, contributes to dough fermentation and leavening.
7. Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2,300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to high sodium content.
8. Powdered Sugar (1 cup)
- Calories: Approximately 485
- Carbohydrates: 125 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness but lacks nutritional value beyond empty calories.
9. Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Approximately 19
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants, supports digestive health, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
10. Grated Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Approximately 3
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and provides a small amount of vitamin C, which supports immune function.
11. Grated Orange Zest (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Approximately 4
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and provides a small amount of vitamin C, supporting immune health.
Comments