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Puffy Fasting Mucenici (Little Saints) with Walnuts and Honey | Mucenici pufoși de post cu nuci și miere

Ingredients
    For the Dough:
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • 25 grams of fresh yeast
  • 300 milliliters of warm water
  • 3-4 tablespoons of flour (to activate the yeast)
  • 370 grams of boiled sweet potatoes, mashed and passed through a sieve
  • 1 kilogram flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Potato pulp (from the sweet potatoes)
  • Zest of 2 unripe lemons (or you can substitute with orange peel)
  • 230 milliliters of fresh orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract
  • 80 milliliters of oil
  • 200 grams of additional flour (gradually added while kneading)
    • For the Glaze:
  • A mixture of water and sugar (for greasing the mucenici before baking)
    • For the Filling:
  • Walnuts soaked in honey (optional but adds a delicious touch)
Instructions
  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
    1. In a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, 25 grams of fresh yeast, and 300 ml of warm water.
    2. Stir in about 3-4 tablespoons of flour from the total flour amount to activate the yeast.
    3. Let the mixture sit aside for a few minutes to activate.
  2. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
    1. Boil 370 grams of sweet potatoes, then mash and pass them through a sieve for a creamy texture.
    2. Set the sweet potato puree aside.
  3. Make the Dough
    1. In a large bowl, sift 1 kg of flour, and add 1 teaspoon of salt and the sweet potato pulp.
    2. Add the activated yeast mixture and the zest of 2 unripe lemons (or orange peel).
    3. Gradually incorporate 230 ml of fresh orange juice and 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract into the mixture.
    4. Slowly add 80 ml of oil and begin kneading the dough for about 10-15 minutes.
    5. Gradually add the remaining 200 grams of flour, alternating with oil, until the dough becomes soft and smooth.
  4. Let the Dough Rise
    1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
    2. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the Mucenici (Little Saints)
    1. After the dough has risen, divide it into 16 equal pieces.
    2. Shape each piece into a "saint" shape (typically a figure-8 or round shape with twists).
  6. Let the Mucenici Rest
    1. Place the formed mucenici on a tray and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
  7. Bake the Mucenici
    1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
    2. Brush the rested dough with a mixture of water and sugar to give it a sweet, glossy finish.
    3. Bake the mucenici in the preheated oven until they are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Read it online: https://yummy.expert/recipe/puffy-fasting-mucenici-little-saints-with-walnuts-and-honey-mucenici-pufosi-de-post-cu-nuci-si-miere/