Traditional Spanish Pastissets Recipe: Delicious Sweet Treats from Valencia

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup of sweet white wine
  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of anise seeds
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, olive oil, and white wine. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the flour to the liquid mixture little by little, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
  4. Add the anise seeds and lemon zest to the dough and mix well until evenly distributed.
  5. Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small round discs or your preferred shapes.
  6. Place the formed dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
  8. Allow the pastissets to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
  • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Replace the anise seeds with fennel seeds for a slightly different taste.
  • Add a tablespoon of orange zest along with the lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a subtle vanilla flavor.
  • Create a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding grated cheese or herbs to the dough.
  • Try using different types of sweet wine, such as Moscato or Riesling, for a unique flavor profile.
  • Make mini pastissets by using a cookie cutter to shape the dough into bite-sized rounds.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pastissets for an indulgent dessert variation.

Recipe overview

Pastissets are a traditional Spanish sweet treat, particularly popular in the Valencia region. With their distinctive anise and lemon flavors, these small pastries are a delight for the senses. This recipe will guide you through each step of making your own Pastissets at home. Expect to prepare a simple, yet fragrant dough that combines the sweetness of sugar, the richness of olive oil, and the subtlety of sweet white wine. Following the baking, you'll be rewarded with light, slightly crumbly pastries, dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve these Pastissets as a delightful dessert or a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee. Enjoy the pleasant aromas and sweet flavors of this traditional Spanish delight right in your own kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
    Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil as a substitute for olive oil.
  2. Can I replace the sweet white wine with another ingredient?
    If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of orange juice or apple juice.
  3. Can I add other spices or flavorings to the dough?
    Certainly! You can experiment with adding other spices like cinnamon or cardamom, or even include almond or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the pastissets.
  4. How should I store the pastissets?
    Store the pastissets in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week.
  5. Can I freeze the pastissets?
    Yes, you can freeze the pastissets. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and mix the dough.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used to place the formed dough for baking.
  • Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheet and prevent the pastissets from sticking.
  • Wire Rack - A rack used for cooling the baked pastissets.
  • Sifter or Sieve - Used to dust powdered sugar onto the pastissets.

Origin stories

Pastissets are traditional Catalan treats that have been delighting taste buds for generations. Originating in the northeastern part of Spain, these sweet pastries are often associated with festive occasions and holiday cheer. Baking pastissets is a cherished tradition in many households, with recipes passed down through generations. The distinct flavors of anise and lemon embody the Mediterranean palate, while the circular shape represents the cyclical nature of life and the seasons. A true embodiment of Catalan culture, these pastries have a charming simplicity that belies their rich, layered taste.

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.