How to Make Plăcintă: A Step-by-Step Guide to Romanian Heaven

Plăcintă. Just the name evokes images of warm, flaky pastries, filled with savory cheese or sweet, juicy fruits. This traditional Romanian dish is a celebration of flavor and texture, and luckily for you, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newbie, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to create your own little piece of Romanian culinary heaven.

A Taste of Romania in Every Bite

Plăcintă is more than just a pastry; it’s a cherished part of Romanian culture. These thin, layered delights are found on tables across the country, enjoyed during holidays, special occasions, and everyday meals. The beauty of plăcintă lies in its versatility – from savory fillings like cheese and spinach to sweet indulgences featuring apples, pumpkin, or cherries, there’s a plăcintă out there for everyone.

Ready to embark on your own plăcintă adventure? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g all-purpose flour (can substitute with a combination of all-purpose and bread flour for a chewier texture)
• 250ml warm water
• 50ml sunflower oil (or other neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (omit if making a savory plăcintă)

For the Filling (Cheese):

• 500g sheep’s cheese (telemea or feta are good substitutes)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Filling Ideas:

• Sweet Cheese: Use cow’s milk cheese, add 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the filling
• Apple: 4-5 large apples, peeled and grated, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• Pumpkin: 500g pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Tools of the Trade:

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet

Let’s Make Plăcintă:

1. Crafting the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, oil, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the Filling:

Cheese Filling:

1. Crumble the cheese into a bowl.
2. Add the eggs and dill, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

For other fillings, follow the ingredient suggestions and adjust spices to your liking.

3. Assembling the Plăcintă:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a very thin rectangle (almost transparent).
4. Brush the dough with melted butter or oil.
5. Spread a thin layer of filling over the dough, leaving a small border.
6. Fold the longer sides of the dough over the filling, then roll it up tightly from one short end to the other, forming a log shape.
7. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Baking to Golden Perfection:

1. Place the rolled plăcintă on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Brush the tops with melted butter or oil.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Plăcintă fresh from the oven

Tips for Plăcintă Success:

• Dough Consistency is Key: The dough should be soft and pliable, not too sticky or dry. Adjust the flour or water amount as needed.
• Thin is In: The thinner you roll the dough, the flakier your plăcintă will be.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the plăcintă burst during baking.
• Get Creative with Fillings: Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create your own signature plăcintă.

FAQs:

Can I freeze plăcintă?
Absolutely! Plăcintă freezes beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

What can I serve with plăcintă?
Savory plăcintă pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Sweet plăcintă is delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Plăcintă platter

A Taste of Tradition, Made Easy

There you have it! Now you’re well on your way to mastering the art of plăcintă. Don’t be afraid to experiment, get creative with fillings, and most importantly, have fun! Share your culinary masterpiece with loved ones and savor the taste of Romanian tradition.

We’d love to hear about your plăcintă adventures! Share your photos and experiences in the comments below. Happy baking!