Seadas (Sardinian Sweet Pastry)

 

These delicious fried pastries are filled with fresh cheese and then drizzled with honey, creating a perfect contrast between the crispy pastry and the sweetness of the honey. Seadas are a true delight and a hallmark of Sardinian pastry.

 

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

- 300 g of flour

- 50 g of butter

- 1 egg

- 50 ml of water

- A pinch of salt

 

For the filling:

- 250 g of fresh cheese (such as pecorino Sardo or ricotta)

- Grated zest of an orange or lemon (optional)

- A pinch of salt

 

For the topping:

- Honey (preferably orange or strawberry tree honey)

- Grated orange zest (optional)

 

Procedure:

1. Start by preparing the pastry. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the softened butter in small pieces. Work the dough with your hands until you obtain a sandy consistency.

2. Add the egg, water, and a pinch of salt. Continue kneading until you get a smooth and elastic dough. If needed, add a little flour or water to achieve the desired consistency. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the fresh cheese with the grated zest of an orange or lemon (if desired) and a pinch of salt. Work the cheese until it becomes soft and creamy. Set aside.

4. Take the dough and divide it into small portions. Roll out each portion thinly, forming discs of about 10-12 cm in diameter.

5. Place a generous amount of filling in the center of each pastry disc. Fold the pastry in half, sealing the edges well and forming a half-moon shape. Press the edges with your fingers or the tines of a fork to seal them.

6. Heat abundant oil in a deep frying pan. When the oil is hot, fry the Seadas a few at a time until they become golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

7. Once the Seadas are cool, drizzle them with honey. You can slightly heat the honey to make it more fluid and easier to distribute. Sprinkle the Seadas with grated orange zest for a touch of freshness and aroma.

8. Seadas are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a dessert after a traditional Sardinian meal or as a sweet treat at any time of the day.

 

9. Seadas are best enjoyed when still warm and crispy. Taking a bite into the golden pastry and feeling the soft cheese melt in your mouth is a unique culinary experience. The sweet and aromatic honey adds an irresistible sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

10. Seadas are a symbol of Sardinian culinary tradition and are often served during holidays or special events. Share them with friends and family, introducing them to the richness of Sardinian cuisine.

11. Store the Seadas in an airtight container at room temperature, but make sure to consume them within a few days to ensure they maintain their freshness and crispiness.

Seadas are a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the love for authentic and traditional flavors of Sardinia. Prepare them with care and dedication, and let yourself be captivated by this one-of-a-kind sweet pastry.

Enjoy your meal!💓