Kodava-inspired Almond Stuffed Pastry

Ingredients

In this Kodava adaptation, we infuse the almond filling with traditional Kodava spices like cardamom and cinnamon, adding a unique flavor profile to the pastry. Additionally, we incorporate local Kodava ingredients and techniques to create a pastry that is reminiscent of the Kodava cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Gevulde koek, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (100g) ground almonds 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
• 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Sliced almonds, for topping Sliced almonds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon.
2. 2.
   Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground almonds and powdered sugar.
4. 4.
   Add the almond mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the beaten egg to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough gently until smooth.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Take each dough ball and flatten it into a disc shape. Place a spoonful of the almond filling in the center of each disc.
9. 9.
   Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it completely. Gently press down on the filled dough to flatten it slightly.
10. 10.
    Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each pastry with sliced almonds.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the filling to achieve a smooth texture.
• Butter — Use cold butter and cube it before incorporating it into the dough for a flaky pastry.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a pinch of Kodava coffee powder to the almond filling for a subtle coffee flavor.
• Serve the pastries warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before baking.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves to customize the flavor of the almond filling.
• Store the pastries in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Kodava-inspired almond-stuffed pastries as a delightful snack with a cup of hot coffee or tea. They can also be enjoyed as a dessert after a traditional Kodava meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pastries on a serving platter, garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, and place a sprig of fresh mint on top for an elegant presentation.