Blueberry Strudel with a Burundian Twist

Ingredients

In this Burundian adaptation, we incorporate Burundian spices to add a unique twist to the traditional Croatian Mrkopaljska štrudla s borovnicama. The spices infuse the strudel with warm and aromatic flavors, giving it a distinct Burundian touch. We alse have the original recipe for Mrkopaljska štrudla s borovnicama, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 2 cups (300g) blueberries 2 cups (300g) blueberries
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually add water to the mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangular shape.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, mix the blueberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom until well combined.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Spread the blueberry mixture over the breadcrumbs.
8. 8.
   Carefully roll the dough, starting from one of the longer sides, until you have a log-shaped strudel.
9. 9.
   Transfer the strudel to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. 10.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
12. 12.
    Dust the strudel with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Blueberries — Make sure to use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Ground cinnamon — If possible, use freshly ground cinnamon for a more intense flavor.
• Ground cloves — Use ground cloves sparingly as they have a strong flavor. Adjust according to your preference.
• Ground nutmeg — Grate fresh nutmeg for a more aromatic taste.
• Ground cardamom — If you have whole cardamom pods, crush them and remove the seeds to grind into a powder.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the strudel from becoming soggy, sprinkle breadcrumbs on the dough before adding the blueberry filling.
• Serve the strudel warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• If you prefer a sweeter strudel, you can increase the amount of sugar in the blueberry filling.
• Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile of the strudel.
• Leftover strudel can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Burundian Blueberry Delight warm as a dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, slice the strudel into individual portions and arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle some additional powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance.