Mona de Pascua is a cherished Catalan Easter treat that brings festive cheer to the spring season. This traditional sweet bread or cake, adorned with chocolate eggs, fruit, and other confections, is not only delicious but also holds deep cultural significance. Enjoyed primarily in Catalonia, this delightful dessert symbolizes renewal and abundance, making it a perfect centerpiece for Easter celebrations.
Mona de Pascua, which translates to "Easter Mona" in Catalan, has been a part of Catalan Easter traditions for centuries. The name "Mona" is derived from the Arabic word "mūna," which means "provisions" or "goods." Historically, the Mona de Pascua was a gift from godparents to their godchildren, symbolizing a bond of affection and blessing. Over time, the dessert has evolved into a vibrant and festive centerpiece of Easter feasts, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Catalonia.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) all-purpose flour
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 50g (1.7 oz) fresh yeast
- 6 large eggs
- 150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz) milk
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- Decorations: chocolate eggs, fruit, and assorted sweets
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
2. Dissolve the fresh yeast in warm milk and let it activate for a few minutes.
3. Beat the eggs and add them to the well in the flour mixture. Pour in the yeast mixture, lemon zest, and orange blossom water.
4. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Gradually incorporate the butter into the dough, kneading until fully absorbed.
6. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into several pieces. Shape each piece into round or oval forms and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Decorate each piece with chocolate eggs, fruit, and other sweets.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the Monas are golden brown.
11. Allow the Monas to cool before serving.
Enjoy this sweet Catalan tradition and share the festive joy with your family and friends!
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 kg (2.2 lbs) all-purpose flour
- Calories: Approximately 3640 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 760 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal, but some B vitamins are present
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Flour is a primary source of carbohydrates, providing energy. It also contains small amounts of essential minerals and vitamins, though it is mainly used for its energy-providing carbohydrates.
2. 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- Calories: Approximately 800 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 200 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
Nutritional Benefit: Sugar provides a quick source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content, though it offers no essential nutrients beyond energy.
3. 50g (1.7 oz) fresh yeast
- Calories: Approximately 30 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B7)
- Minerals: Small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and zinc
Nutritional Benefit: Fresh yeast contributes to the leavening process, adding a small amount of protein and beneficial B vitamins that support metabolism and energy production.
4. 6 large eggs
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Cholesterol: 1860 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins (especially B12)
- Minerals: Contains iron, calcium, and potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, which support overall health and help in building and repairing tissues.
5. 150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- Calories: Approximately 1070 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 120 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 320 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins A and D
- Minerals: Minimal
Nutritional Benefit: Butter provides a rich flavor and texture to baked goods, though it is high in fat and cholesterol. It also contributes to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
6. 200ml (6.8 fl oz) milk
- Calories: Approximately 130 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, D, and B12
- Minerals: Contains calcium and potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Milk provides essential proteins, calcium, and vitamins, contributing to bone health and overall nutritional balance.
7. A pinch of salt
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: Approximately 200 mg per pinch
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Contains sodium
Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor and helps with the proper functioning of the body’s electrolytes and fluids, though it should be used in moderation.
8. Zest of 1 lemon
- Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Lemon zest adds flavor and is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and provides antioxidant benefits.
9. 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Minimal
Nutritional Benefit: Orange blossom water is used for flavoring and adds a subtle floral taste, though it contributes minimally to the nutritional content.
10. Decorations: chocolate eggs, fruit, and assorted sweets
- Calories: Varies widely based on type and quantity
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
- Vitamins: Varies
- Minerals: Varies
Nutritional Benefit: Decorations add visual appeal and a variety of flavors, though they also increase the sugar and calorie content of the final product. The nutritional benefits depend on the type of decorations used.
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