Strawberry Halva Hamantaschen: A Sweet and Savory Treat for Purim
Purim, a Jewish holiday celebrated in the spring, is a time for joy, feasting, and giving to those in need. One of the most popular Purim treats is the hamantaschen, a triangular-shaped pastry filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients.
Strawberry halva hamantaschen are a delicious and unique twist on the classic Purim treat. Halva, a sweet and crumbly confection made from sesame seeds, adds a nutty and flavorful twist to the traditional poppy seed or prune filling. The vibrant red color of the strawberry adds a festive touch, making these hamantaschen perfect for Purim celebrations.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
* 1 cup strawberry halva, crumbled
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1 egg yolk, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter cubes and use your fingers to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut out 24 circles of dough using a 3-inch cookie cutter.
5. In a small bowl, combine the strawberry halva, sugar, cinnamon, and honey. Stir in the egg yolk until the mixture is well combined.
6. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle of dough. Fold up the three corners of the dough to form a triangle, pinching the edges to seal.
7. Place the hamantaschen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Let the hamantaschen cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
* For a sweeter filling, add more sugar to taste.
* If you don't have strawberry halva, you can use another type of halva, such as plain or chocolate.
* Dust the hamantaschen with powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
* Hamantaschen can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Strawberry halva hamantaschen are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for Purim or any other occasion. With their sweet and savory filling and beautiful red color, these hamantaschen are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.