Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin to form a circle.
7. Place a tablespoon of chopped apricots in the center of each circle.
8. Fold the edges of the circle over the apricots and pinch the edges together to seal.
9. Place the shekerbura on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
11. Bake the shekerbura for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
13. Dust the shekerbura with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
16 shekerbura
Nutritional information:
Calories: 220
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any dried fruit instead of apricots, such as raisins, dates, or figs.
- You can use cream cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the filling.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and ricotta cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
- Don't overwork the dough, or it will become tough.
- You can freeze the shekerbura before baking and bake them later.
Storage instructions:
- Store the shekerbura in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the shekerbura, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the shekerbura on a platter and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Garnishes:
- You can garnish the shekerbura with chopped nuts or fresh fruit.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Shekerbura can be served as a dessert or snack on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it is smooth.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store the shekerbura in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Shekerbura is a traditional Azerbaijani pastry that is typically made during the spring holiday of Novruz.
Flavor profiles:
- The shekerbura has a sweet and buttery flavor, with a hint of tanginess from the ricotta cheese and apricots.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the shekerbura as a dessert or snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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Region: Azerbaijani