Delicious and Traditional Oznei Haman Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 cups poppy seeds
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the butter to the mixture and rub in with your fingers until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
  3. Add the egg and orange juice, and knead the dough until it's smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. While the dough is chilling, make the filling. In a saucepan, combine the poppy seeds, milk, honey, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
  5. Remove from the heat and add the lemon and orange zest, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Allow the mixture to cool.
  6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter.
  8. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges in to form a triangle, leaving the filling visible in the center. Pinch the corners to seal.
  9. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. Allow the pastries to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Bowl - Used for mixing the dough and filling ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Used for cooking the poppy seed filling.
  • Round cookie cutter - Used to cut out circles of dough for the pastries.
  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the pastries in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  • Plastic wrap - Used to cover the dough while it chills in the refrigerator.
  • Wire rack - Used for cooling the baked pastries.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Knife - Used for trimming and cutting the dough.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Used for accurately measuring the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the poppy seed filling with a prune or apricot filling for a different flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a subtle spice.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a hint of sweetness.
  • Make a savory version by replacing the sweet filling with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices.
  • Experiment with different shapes for the pastries, such as squares or half-moons.
  • Add a drizzle of chocolate or powdered sugar glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • For a vegan option, replace the butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk in the filling.
  • Sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped almonds on top of the pastries before baking for added crunch.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for Oznei Haman, also known as Hamantaschen, a traditional Jewish pastry enjoyed during the holiday of Purim. These triangular treats are made with a buttery dough and typically filled with poppy seeds - a nod to their Persian origins. However, our version adds a little twist with the inclusion of honey, raisins, and walnuts, enhancing the flavor and giving them some additional texture. Expect to get your hands a bit dirty when making the dough and filling, but the delightful, sweet result is well worth the effort. Baking these Oznei Haman is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holiday, especially if you're sharing them with family and friends!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? Yes, you can use alternative flours like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but it may affect the texture and taste of the pastries.
  2. Can I substitute the orange juice? If you prefer, you can use another type of juice, such as lemon juice or apple juice, as a substitute for the orange juice.
  3. Can I omit the raisins or walnuts from the filling? Certainly, you can omit the raisins or walnuts if you have any dietary restrictions or personal preferences. The filling will still be delicious without them.
  4. Can I make the dough and filling in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Simply store the dough wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and the filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before using.
  5. Can I freeze the Oznei Haman? Absolutely! Once the pastries have cooled completely, you can place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Oznei Haman, also known as hamantaschen, are a traditional Jewish pastry enjoyed during the festival of Purim. The name "Oznei Haman" translates to "Haman's ears" in Hebrew, with the triangular shape of the pastry said to represent either the ears or the three-cornered hat of Haman, the villain of the Purim story from the Book of Esther. However, some interpret the filling of the pastry as symbolic of the hidden nature of the Purim miracle, where Esther revealed her Jewish identity to the King and saved her people from Haman's plot. With each bite, it's as if you're discovering and partaking in the sweet revelation of the Purim miracle, a delectable way to remember history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.