Hazaragi Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Ohridska torta from Macedonian cuisine is transformed into a Hazaragi Delight by incorporating Hazaragi spices and flavors. The original recipe is enhanced with saffron, a prized ingredient in Hazaragi cuisine, which adds a luxurious touch to the cake. The cream frosting is also a departure from the traditional Macedonian version, providing a creamy and indulgent element to the dessert. We alse have the original recipe for Ohridska torta, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (35g) chopped pistachios, for garnish 1/4 cup (35g) chopped pistachios, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 kJ
• Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat: 13g)
• Carbohydrates: 43g (Sugar: 24g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm milk for 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, remaining milk, vanilla extract, and saffron-infused milk.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
8. 8.
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
9. 9.
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the butter mixture.
10. 10.
    Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
11. 11.
    Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the frosting for garnish.
12. 12.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron threads, soak them in warm milk for at least 10 minutes before using in the recipe.
• Cardamom — Use freshly ground cardamom for the best flavor. You can grind whole cardamom pods in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
• Pistachios — For a vibrant green color, use unsalted and shelled pistachios. Chop them finely for a beautiful garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of rosewater to the cream frosting.
• If saffron is not readily available, you can substitute it with turmeric for a similar golden color.
• To make the cake more festive, decorate the top with edible flowers or silver leaf.
• Serve the Hazaragi Delight chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
• This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop further.

Serving advice

Slice the Hazaragi Delight into generous portions and serve on dessert plates. Accompany each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. Place a saffron thread on each slice as a decorative element. Serve the cake on a beautiful cake stand or platter to showcase its layers and frosting.