Croatian Almond Štrukli

Ingredients

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 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, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (200g) ground almonds 2 cups (200g) ground almonds
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• For the topping: For the topping:
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 26g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 18g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the pastry. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly until smooth, then shape it into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, prepare the filling by combining the ground almonds, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and milk. Mix until well combined and set aside.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
6. 6.
   Spread the almond filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a log, making sure the filling stays intact.
8. 8.
   Transfer the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a horseshoe or a spiral.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the Štrukli.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the filling to achieve a smooth texture. You can grind whole almonds in a food processor or use pre-ground almond meal.
• Lemon zest — Use a fine grater to zest the lemon, being careful to only grate the outer yellow layer and avoid the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract to the filling for extra flavor.
• Serve the Almond Štrukli warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, you can dust the Štrukli with additional powdered sugar before serving.
• Leftover Štrukli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Almond Štrukli as a dessert or a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or a snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the Almond Štrukli with a generous amount of powdered sugar just before serving. The contrast between the white sugar and golden pastry will make it visually appealing.