Lenten pies with fruits or dried fruits
12 servings
90 minutes
Lenten pies with fruits or dried fruits are a traditional treat of Russian cuisine, perfect for fasting days or simply for lovers of light and fragrant pastries. Their history goes back to rural cuisine, where simple yet nutritious ingredients were used to create hearty and delicious dishes. These pies have an airy texture and a subtle sweet taste thanks to the fruits and candied fruits that give them a refreshing tartness and natural sweetness. They pair wonderfully with tea or compote, and their golden crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them particularly appetizing. Serving with powdered sugar and fresh berries adds sophistication, turning a simple dish into a true gastronomic delight.
1
Prepare the dough starter. For this, add 2 cups of warm water to half of the flour, in which the yeast should be dissolved.
- Wheat flour: 800 g
- Water: 200 ml
- Dry yeast: 20 g
2
When the dough rises and settles, pour in 100 ml of oil, add half of the remaining flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well with a wooden spatula. Let it rise again, knead with the spatula, and let it rise again. I add more flour; the dough becomes thicker and doesn't stick to the table, rolling pin or spatula later. By the way, it's easier to knead thick dough by hand than with a spatula.
- Vegetable oil: 100 ml
- Wheat flour: 800 g
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: pinch
- Wheat flour: 800 g
3
Sprinkle the remaining flour on the board or table, place the dough on it. Cut the dough into small pieces, make a flatbread from each piece. Place a candied fruit or berries in the center, pinch the edges, and roll into a ball (or another shape, I make horns or dumplings). Let it rise a bit and fry in hot oil until done.
- Wheat flour: 800 g
- Candied fruit: to taste
- Fruits: to taste
4
Ready pastries can be sprinkled with powdered sugar and decorated with berries and a mint sprig.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh berries: to taste