The manjòvena
A traditional dessert synonymous with festivity...
Among the vast array of delicious dishes you can enjoy in La Vall d’Uixó, the local gastronomy also features a wide variety of traditional desserts, among which the manjòvenes undoubtedly stand out—also popularly known as “miga-rolets”.
These traditional sweets, of Muslim origin, are made from an incredibly light, sugar-free dough. Historically, they were a staple accompaniment at all kinds of celebrations and local festivities across the town.
A defining characteristic of the manjòvenes is their unique shape, carefully molded by hand to form a crown-like ring that remains slightly hollow in the center.
Ingredients
- 6 or 7 eggs
- Sugar (for dusting)
- 1 glass of sunflower oil
- 300 g of flour
- 2 glasses of water
Preparation
First, combine the water and oil in a saucepan and bring to a boil. As soon as it boils, add the flour all at once and immediately turn off the heat. Stir the mixture vigorously until it forms a smooth, lump-free dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Let the mixture cool until it is lukewarm, then add the eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each addition until a smooth, homogeneous dough forms again.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, brush it lightly with oil or melted butter, and sprinkle a little sugar on top. Using a spoon, scoop a portion of the dough and drop it onto the paper.
To shape them, press your finger into the center of each portion to create a hole, then gently rotate your finger to widen the opening. The final shape should resemble a rustic, irregular crown. Repeat this process for each of the manjòvenes.
Place the tray in the oven preheated to 210°C and bake for approximately 30 minutes. It is crucial not to open the oven door during baking, as this will cause the pastry to deflate.
As a final touch before serving, generously dust the top of each pastry with sugar. Your delicious manjòvenes are now ready to be enjoyed!
