Back to: Lenten pastries Belgrade
A fasting diet does not have to be monotonous or tasteless. On the contrary, with a little attention and creativity, it can be versatile, tasty and nutritious. Lenten pastries are a perfect example of this - they are ideal not only during religious fasting, but also as part of the daily diet of those who avoid foods of animal origin.
What are lean pastries and how do they differ from classic ones?
Lean pastries are prepared without milk, eggs, fat and butter. They are made using vegetable oils, water, herbal drinks, yeast or baking powder. Although they do not contain ingredients of animal origin, they can be just as soft, crunchy or rich in flavor as classic pastries. Depending on the combination of ingredients, sweet and savory varieties are available - rolls, pretzels, scones, snails, croissants and puff rolls.
What are the benefits of shortbread?
Lowbread is often easier to digest and contains less saturated fat. If they are prepared with wholemeal flour, seeds or vegetables, they can be nutritionally richer. Also, they are suitable for people who are fasting, practicing a vegan diet or have an allergy to eggs or dairy products. Thanks to the variety of flavors, they easily fit into meals at home, at work or for takeaway.
How to recognize quality shortbread?
Quality shortbread has a pleasant smell, a golden-baked crust and an elastic, but not gooey interior. They should be fresh, slightly crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. If you buy from a bakery, ask about the composition, as some pastries may contain hidden dairy additives or margarine with dairy components. At home, making shortbread is simple and gives room for creativity with vegetable fillings and spices. Lenten pastries are available in many bakeries and health food stores, and on this page you can find their locations in Belgrade.