Desserts > Pastry > Russian

Classic Pyshki with Vanilla Custard Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Vanilla Custard:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep-frying thermometer
- Deep-frying pan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.

5. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness.

6. Cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter.

7. Heat the oil in a deep-frying pan to 350°F.

8. Carefully drop the pyshki into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.

9. Remove the pyshki from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Vanilla Custard:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.

2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Allow the custard to cool before serving.

Serving:

1. Serve the pyshki warm with the vanilla custard.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 4

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 477
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: margarine or coconut oil
- Milk: almond milk or soy milk
- Vegetable oil: canola oil or sunflower oil

Variations:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dough for a cinnamon-flavored pyshki.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts to the dough for a nutty flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup dried fruit to the dough for a fruity flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pyshki.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
- Fry the pyshki in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Storage Instructions:
Store the pyshki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the pyshki in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pyshki on a platter with the vanilla custard in a bowl.
- Arrange the pyshki on a plate with the vanilla custard in a small bowl.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt
- Muffins

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pyshki are not golden brown after frying, increase the temperature of the oil.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pyshki.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the pyshki.

Food History:
Pyshki is a traditional Russian pastry that dates back to the 18th century. It is a deep-fried doughnut-like pastry that is usually served with a sweet custard or jam.

Flavor Profiles:
The pyshki have a sweet and slightly nutty flavor from the combination of the all-purpose flour, sugar, and butter. The vanilla custard adds a creamy and sweet flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pyshki with a scoop of ice cream.
- Top the pyshki with fresh fruit.
- Drizzle the pyshki with melted chocolate.

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Region: Russian

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Vanilla, Savory, Fluffy, Vanilla-Scented