Hojaldre

Hojaldre is a type of pastry made from several layers of dough that are alternated with butter and then baked. The result is a light, flaky pastry that is often used in both sweet and savory dishes. The term "hojaldre" is derived from the Spanish word "hoja", which means leaf, referring to the leaf-like layers of the pastry.

History

The origins of hojaldre are believed to date back to the ancient Egyptians, who made a similar type of pastry. However, the modern version of hojaldre is often attributed to the French, who developed the technique of layering dough and butter to create a light, flaky pastry. This technique, known as laminating, involves folding the dough and butter together multiple times to create thin layers.

Preparation

The preparation of hojaldre involves a process known as laminating, which is the technique of alternating layers of dough and butter. The dough is first rolled out, then a layer of butter is spread on top. The dough is then folded over the butter, and the process is repeated several times. The resulting pastry is then baked until it rises and becomes golden brown.

Uses

Hojaldre is used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. It can be used to make tarts, pies, and pastries, and is often filled with ingredients such as fruit, chocolate, or cheese. In Spain, hojaldre is often used to make a traditional dessert called milhojas, which is made from layers of hojaldre filled with cream or custard.

Variations

There are several variations of hojaldre, including puff pastry, which is made using a similar technique but with a higher ratio of butter to dough. Another variation is croissant dough, which is also laminated but includes yeast in the dough to create a more bread-like texture.

See also

• Puff pastry
• Croissant
• Milhojas
• Laminating (cooking)