Pestiños Sevillanos Seville Pastries

During the festive season in Spain, it’s all about celebrating with family and friends – and delicious treats are a key part of the tradition. One classic Christmas delight that brings warmth and joy to the holiday table is the Pestiños Sevillanos, also known as Seville Pastries. These sweet, flaky pastries are a specialty of Seville and are a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of Spanish flair to their holiday baking collection.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground anise seeds
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Honey, for drizzling

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground anise seeds, ground cinnamon, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the dry white wine and olive oil. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a touch more olive oil as needed.

3. Once the dough is well combined, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. After the dough has rested, take a small portion of the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a knife to cut the dough into rectangular shapes, about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. You can also create a diamond shape by cutting diagonal lines on each end of the rectangle and folding them together.

5. In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (180°C). Carefully fry the pastries in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking.

6. Once fried, remove the pastries from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

7. While the pastries are still warm, drizzle generous amounts of honey over the top, allowing it to soak into the pastries and add a sticky sweetness to each bite. The honey adds a lovely touch of sweetness and gloss to the finished pastries.

Enjoy these Pestiños Sevillanos Seville Pastries as a delightful treat alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, or wrap them up as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and loved ones. The combination of aromatic spices, citrus zest, and golden honey makes these pastries a true taste of Spanish Christmas tradition. Get ready to savor the flavors of the holiday season with this authentic recipe that captures the essence of Seville’s festive spirit.