Piaya Recipe: A Delicious Treat From the Philippines
The piaya, a delightful Filipino pastry, is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. This recipe will guide you through making these chewy, sweet treats from scratch, perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying as a delicious afternoon snack. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe provides enough for approximately 20 piayas. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you want to make a larger or smaller batch.
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For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup lard or vegetable shortening (melted)
- ½ cup water (approximately, may need more or less)
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For the Filling:
- 1 cup muscovado sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Piaya
This recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, ensuring you create perfect piayas every time.
Preparing the Dough
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the melted lard or shortening and water, mixing until a dough forms. You may need slightly more or less water depending on the consistency of your flour. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
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Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten and results in a chewier texture.
Preparing the Filling
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Combine Sugar and Water: In a small saucepan, combine the muscovado sugar (or brown sugar) and water.
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Cook the Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling and Cooking the Piayas
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Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
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Flatten and Fill: Flatten each ball using your hands or a rolling pin. Place a small spoonful of the cooled sugar filling in the center.
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Seal and Shape: Gently fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking. You can shape them into small patties or slightly flatten them.
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Cook the Piayas: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the piayas for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving Your Delicious Piayas
Once cooked, let the piayas cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Piaya
- Don't overwork the dough: Overworking can make the piayas tough.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet piaya, reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and filling.
- Experiment with fillings: While muscovado sugar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fillings such as ube (purple yam) or even Nutella.
- Storage: Store leftover piayas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
This piaya recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to adapt and experiment to make it your own. Happy baking!
