Spehovka

Spehovka Recipe from Slovenia - Ingredients, Directions, and Tips

Region / culture: Slovenia | Servings: 8

Introduction

Spehovka is a traditional Russian pastry that is typically filled with either a savory bacon filling or a sweet chive or mint filling. This delicious pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Spehovka has been a popular dish in Russian cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in the rural areas of Russia, where ingredients like bacon, chives, and mint were readily available. Over time, different variations of the recipe have emerged, each with its own unique twist on the classic dish.

Ingredients

1 cake yeast
1.5 cups lukewarm water
1 tsp sugar
1 cup milk
0.5 cup shortening or butter
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp sugar
2 beaten eggs
6 cups flour

Bacon filling

3 eggs
2 cups grained bacon
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar
0.5 cup buttered bread crumbs

Chive or mint filling

0.5 cup bread crumbs
0.5 cup butter
1 cup sour cream
3 tbsp sugar
3 beaten eggs
3 tbsp finely chopped chives or 1 cup chopped mint leaves

How to prepare

Dissolve sugar and yeast in milk, then set it aside in a warm place until it becomes foamy.
Heat milk and add shortening, salt, and sugar.
Allow it to cool.
Add beaten eggs and mix well.
Sift flour and add the yeast mixture and the above mixture.
Knead the dough well and set it aside to rise until it doubles in bulk.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it in the bowl.
Let it rise again.
Roll out the dough to about 0.25 inch thickness and spread the filling on top.
Beat eggs well and spread them over the dough using a spatula.
Sprinkle bacon, cinnamon, sugar, and buttered bread crumbs on top.
Roll up the dough and place it in a well-greased pan.
Let it rise until it doubles in bulk, then bake it at 325°F (163°C).

Chive or mint filling

Brown bread crumbs in butter and set them aside to cool.
Mix together sour cream, sugar, eggs, chives or mint leaves, and bread crumbs.
Roll out the dough and quickly spread it with the mixture, then roll it up.
Let it rise and bake it in a 325°F (163°C) oven for one hour.

Variations

You can experiment with different fillings for Spehovka, such as cheese and herbs, mushrooms, or even sweet fruit fillings like apples or berries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rise properly to ensure a light and fluffy pastry.

- Be generous with the filling to ensure a flavorful bite in every bite.

- Brush the top of the pastry with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Spehovka can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of sour cream on top. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Spehovka is to properly knead the dough and let it rise twice before baking. This will ensure a light and fluffy pastry.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cake yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. You can also substitute the bacon filling with ham or sausage for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time and assemble the Spehovka just before baking. This will save you time on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spehovka on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or berries for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Spehovka pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Spehovka can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spehovka contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spehovka contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spehovka contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spehovka contains approximately 10g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spehovka is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Spehovka contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Spehovka is a delicious pastry that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spehovka is a delicious and versatile pastry that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With its savory or sweet fillings and light and fluffy texture, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spehovka. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my grandmother in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. She was a remarkable cook, with a talent for creating delicious dishes out of the simplest ingredients. I remember sitting at her kitchen table, watching in awe as she effortlessly whipped up one mouthwatering dish after another.

One day, as I was helping her prepare lunch, she pulled out a worn and tattered old recipe book from a dusty shelf. It was filled with handwritten notes and scribbles, a testament to the many years of cooking experience that had gone into its pages. As she flipped through the book, she came across a recipe that caught her eye - Spehovka.

I had never heard of Spehovka before, and I was curious to learn more about this mysterious dish. My grandmother explained that it was a traditional recipe from her homeland, passed down through generations of her family. She told me that it was a hearty and comforting stew made with tender chunks of beef, fragrant herbs, and root vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth.

As she began to gather the ingredients and walk me through the steps of the recipe, I could see the passion and love she poured into her cooking. She shared stories of her own childhood, of helping her own grandmother in the kitchen and learning the secrets of their family recipes. It was in those moments that I realized the true magic of cooking - the ability to connect with our past, to preserve our traditions, and to create something truly special for the ones we love.

The process of making Spehovka was a labor of love. We spent hours chopping, stirring, and simmering, the fragrant aromas filling the kitchen and warming our hearts. I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her culinary magic, tasting and adjusting the flavors until the dish was just right. And when we finally sat down to enjoy our meal, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart forever.

Over the years, I have made Spehovka countless times, each time with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the traditions that have been passed down to me. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy and comfort that comes from a homemade meal made with love.

As I look back on that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. She taught me so much more than just how to cook - she taught me the importance of family, of tradition, and of the power of a good meal to bring people together. And for that, I will always be grateful.

So, whenever I make Spehovka, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the love and care she put into every dish she made. And I know that as long as I carry on her traditions and share her recipes with others, her spirit will live on in every bite.