Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel

Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the sweetness of figs and pears with warm spices and crunchy filo dough. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for any time of the year.

History

The combination of figs and pears in a strudel is a traditional Macedonian dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This sweet and flavorful dish is often served during holidays and celebrations, and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dried figs, stemmed, about 4 cups
1.67 cups unsweetened pear juice
10 ripe pears
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp allspice
0.5 lb (227 g) filo dough
0.5 cup melted butter
1 cup toasted whole wheat bread crumbs
0.5 cup honey, to taste
0.5 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts

How to prepare

Cover the figs with pear juice and bring them to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for about 25 minutes, until the figs are tender. In a blender or food processor, puree the figs and their cooling juice to make about 3.5 cups of smooth fig paste.
Meanwhile, peel and core the pears and chop them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the fig paste, pears, cinnamon, and allspice.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
To assemble the strudel, butter a 9- X 14-inch baking pan and layer ten sheets of filo, two at a time, brushing butter on every second sheet and sprinkling it with bread crumbs. Spread the pear filling evenly on the top sheet of filo. Cover it with ten more sheets of filo, layered as before with butter and bread crumbs.
Score the top sheets of filo into pieces approximately 3 inches square. This will make it easier to cut the strudel later and will prevent the top layer from crumbling as you cut it. Be careful not to score the top layers all the way through to the filling, however, or the filling juices will bubble up as the strudel bakes.
Bake the strudel for about 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Then heat the honey gently, stirring constantly, until warm and more fluid. Drizzle it evenly over the strudel and top with the nuts. Use a sharp knife to cut the strudel.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for the hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the top of the strudel with a caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe pears for the best flavor and texture in this recipe.

- Be careful not to overfill the strudel with the fig and pear mixture, as it may leak out during baking.

- Brushing each layer of filo dough with butter helps to create a crispy and flaky crust.

- Allow the strudel to cool slightly before cutting to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this strudel warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. It can also be enjoyed on its own with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the filo dough with butter and bread crumbs helps to create a crispy and flaky crust for the strudel. Be sure to score the top layers of filo before baking to make it easier to cut into pieces.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pear juice, you can use apple juice or water as a substitute. You can also use fresh figs instead of dried figs, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fig paste and pear filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the strudel. The assembled strudel can also be refrigerated before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the strudel on a decorative platter or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle the warm honey over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling or a Moscato d'Asti. The fruity and floral notes of the wine complement the flavors of the figs and pears.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover strudel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the strudel in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel contains approximately 320 calories. This dessert is a satisfying and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

Each serving of this strudel contains approximately 12 grams of fat. The fat in this recipe comes from the butter used to brush the filo dough and the nuts sprinkled on top.

Proteins

This dessert contains about 4 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, while figs provide fiber, magnesium, and calcium. These fruits add a variety of vitamins and minerals to this delicious dessert.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel is a sweet and flavorful dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. With the vitamins and minerals from the pears and figs, this dish is a delicious and nutritious treat.

Summary

Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of figs and pears with warm spices and crunchy filo dough. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Macedonia in a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe in an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the words were clear and the instructions were simple. As I read through the recipe, my mouth watered at the thought of the sweet and tangy flavors of pears and figs, combined with the flaky pastry of a strudel.

I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and I had learned many recipes from my grandmother and other family members. But this Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The combination of ingredients was unique and intriguing, and I knew that I had to try it for myself.

I spent days gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing for the task ahead. I wanted to make sure that I followed the recipe exactly, so that I could capture the true essence of this traditional Macedonian dish. As I worked in the kitchen, my grandmother watched me with a knowing smile, knowing that I was about to embark on a culinary adventure that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

The first step was to prepare the filling for the strudel. I chopped fresh pears and dried figs, and mixed them together with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice. The scent of the fruit and spices filled the kitchen, and I knew that I was on the right track. Next, I rolled out the pastry dough and carefully spread the filling along the center, before rolling it up into a tight spiral.

As I worked, my grandmother shared stories of her own experiences with cooking and recipes. She told me about the time she had learned to make this strudel from a Macedonian friend who had brought it to a family gathering. She spoke of the laughter and joy that had filled the room as they had shared this delicious treat, and I could see the love and pride in her eyes as she recounted the memory.

Finally, the strudel was ready to be baked. I brushed the top with melted butter and sprinkled it with sugar, before placing it in the oven to bake. As the sweet aroma of the strudel filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. I knew that this dish would be something special, something that would bring joy and happiness to those who tasted it.

When the strudel was finally done, I carefully sliced it into pieces and served it to my family. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender pears and chewy figs melded perfectly with the flaky pastry, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. My family oohed and aahed with delight, and I knew that I had succeeded in my mission.

Since that day, the Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel has become a staple in our family gatherings. It is a dish that brings us together and reminds us of the love and joy that can be found in sharing a meal with loved ones. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this incredible recipe.