Prague, the largest city of the Czech Republic famous for its rich architectural heritage, is also well known for its exciting food culture. In Prague, you come across multiple street vendors offering a sweet treat called Bohemian Trdelnik. The cylindrical-shaped delicacy is made from sweet dough and cooked on a coal fire. It is rolled around a spit (called trdlo) and grilled until the sugar melts. Garnished with more sugar, nuts, and cinnamon, the dish is finally served with ice cream of any flavor of your choice.
Why Is Bohemian Trdelnik Unique?
Some people claim that Trdelnik is not a traditional food but rather an invention of novelty cooking. In Prague, the dessert is presented as the “Old Bohemian Pastry” and has been mentioned in 20th Century Bohemian literature. Others believe that dough on a spit is an ancient cooking method among several European nations, and Trdelnik is an extension of the cooking style.
Irrespective of its origin, the open fire cooking, the smell of sugar melting with coal, and the mesmerizing presentation of the dish, make it a favorite among young and old. The dish comes with archaic connections and is a must-try when you are in the country.
How To Make This heavenly Old Bohemian Dessert?
To make the sweet delicacy at home, you need the following ingredients.
- All-purpose flour – 2 and a half cups
- Sugar – As required
- Lukewarm milk – Half a cup
- Softened, unsalted butter – Quarter cup
- Instant yeast – 3 teaspoons
- Cinnamon (for the topping)
- Eggs – 3
- A pinch of salt.
Follow the steps in the same order. Before you get started, find a cylindrical structure (like a small tin can) to roll the dough around.
Step 1: Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar with yeast. Add a quarter cup of milk to the bowl and mix well. Allow the mixture to rise and become bubbly.
Step 2: Take another bowl and combine flour, two eggs, butter, and the proofed yeast mixture. Add sugar and milk as needed and mix well.
Step 3: When the ingredients have blended well, knead the mixture with a dough hook or manually for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: The smooth mixture should be kept warm and covered with a wet cloth. It takes roughly about 30-40 minutes for the dough to rise.
Step 5: Take your choice of any cylindrical structure (such as tin cans or jars) and cover with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Prepare an egg wash (combine egg and water) and mix sugar and cinnamon to make cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Check on the dough after 30 minutes. If the dough has risen, start rolling the dough into a thick log. If the dough has not risen, give it a few more minutes.
Step 8: Divide the thick log of dough into 8 – 10 pieces. Now, pick each piece and roll it into a long rope-like structure (about 2 feet long).
Step 9: Glaze the tin jars with butter and wrap the rope of dough around the jar. Make sure the dough completes three rounds around the jar.
Step 10: Next, brush each rope on the tin jar with egg wash and roll each of them on a plate filled with cinnamon sugar.
Step 11: After covering the dough with cinnamon sugar, place the jars on a greased baking sheet.
Step 12: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake the dough for 15 minutes.
Step 13: Remove the pastries and slide them off gently from the tin jars.
Your Bohemian delight is now ready to be served. It tastes best when eaten warm. It can also be served with ice cream or whipped cream.
Additional Tips To Make Your Trdelnik Better
- Use nuts or dried fruits along with the cinnamon sugar to get a crunchy texture.
- Fill the inner layer of the pastry with melted chocolate or peanut butter for an improved taste.
- Adjustable rolling pins work well in the place of tin jars.
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