Plăcintă cu Ciocolată (Chocolate Pie)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 18g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 36g (12g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the melted butter and water, mixing until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into balls. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. 4.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a thin rectangle.
5. 5.
   In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the chocolate filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Carefully roll up the dough into a log shape, starting from one of the longer sides. Place the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining dough and chocolate filling.
9. 9.
   Bake the Plăcintă cu Ciocolată for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dark chocolate — Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best flavor and texture.
• All-purpose flour — Make sure to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Plăcintă cu Ciocolată warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the baked pastry for a decorative touch.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the amount of sugar in the chocolate mixture.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk or white chocolate, for a variation in flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Plăcintă cu Ciocolată as a dessert, either warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the Plăcintă cu Ciocolată with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish each slice with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream.