Plăcinte, the delightful Romanian pastries, are a true testament to the country's culinary heritage. These golden, flaky parcels are filled with various sweet or savory fillings, making them a beloved treat across Romania.

Ingredients:

For these scrumptious Romanian pastries, you'll need the following:

1 lb (450g) all-purpose flour

1/2 lb (225g) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon (5g) salt

1 cup (240ml) water

1 large egg

Your choice of sweet or savory fillings (cheese, jam, apples, pumpkin, or minced meat)

Instructions:

Here's how to make these irresistible Romanian Plăcinte

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the water and knead the mixture into a smooth, elastic dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Butter Layer:

Roll out the unsalted butter between two sheets of parchment paper to form a square. Place this butter layer in the fridge to chill.

Create the Dough-Butter Layers:

Roll out the rested dough into a square shape and place the chilled butter layer on one-half of the dough. Fold the other half over the butter, sealing the edges.

Fold and Roll:

Roll out the dough into a rectangle and fold it into thirds, like a letter. Repeat this process two more times, allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes between each fold.

Shape the Pastries:

Roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Cut it into circles or squares for individual pastries. Place a spoonful of your chosen filling on each piece and fold it over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges.

Bake the Plăcinte:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pastries on a baking sheet and brush them with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Serving:

Plăcinte are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast. They are delicious on their own or with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Plăcinte, the Romanian pastries, offer a taste of Romania's rich culinary traditions. Whether you prefer sweet or savory fillings, these flaky delights are sure to please your palate.