Golden Spiral Delights: Greek Pumpkin Coils 🎃✨

Certainly! Here’s the detailed recipe for Greek Pumpkin Coils (Rodanchas de Kalvassa):

Greek Pumpkin Coils (Rodanchas de Kalvassa)

🕒 Cook Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8

Description:

This dessert, originating from the rich culinary traditions of Greece, embodies a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Inspired by Nicholas Stavroulakis’ recipe from The Cookbook of the Jews of Greece, these Pumpkin Coils (Rodanchas de Kalvassa) require a bit of effort but promise an immensely satisfying outcome. Perfect for winter gatherings, festive occasions like Christmas and Hanukkah, or simply as a comforting treat on a weeknight, these coils offer a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 package phyllo dough
• Butter, melted (for brushing)
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Egg white (optional, for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:

   • In the top of a double boiler, combine the pumpkin puree and sugar.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and luscious.

2. Enhance with Flavor:

   • Stir in the cinnamon and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin mixture.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature while you assemble the coils.

4. Handle the Phyllo Dough:

   • Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface.
   • Brush the sheet lightly with melted butter or olive oil.
   • Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top and repeat the brushing process.

5. Assemble the Coils:

   • Using a pastry tube or a similar tool, spread a pencil-thin line of the prepared pumpkin filling along the length of the phyllo dough sheet, leaving a small margin along the edge.
   • Carefully fold the edge over the filling to completely encase it.
   • Begin rolling the phyllo dough into a long, thin tube, ensuring the pumpkin filling remains securely inside.
   • Brush the coil lightly with butter or oil as you roll to enhance its flavor and texture.

6. Create the Coiled Shape:

   • Take one end of the rolled phyllo dough and gently coil it up, maintaining a loose grip to prevent the coil from breaking.
   • Arrange the coils on an oiled baking sheet, ensuring they are placed close together but not touching, to facilitate even baking.

7. Optional Finishing Touch:

   • For a glossy finish, brush the completed coil with egg white before baking.

8. Bake to Golden Perfection:

   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the coils for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they acquire a beautiful golden brown hue.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once baked to perfection, remove the pumpkin coils from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
   • These delightful treats can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, either as a standalone dessert or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 407.4
• Fat: 12.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 259.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 69.1g
  • Fiber: 2.3g
  • Sugar: 38.4g
• Protein: 6.7g

Embrace the rich heritage of Greek cuisine with these Pumpkin Coils, a delectable dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious! Enjoy the warm aroma of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of phyllo dough as you savor each bite of these delightful treats. Whether served as a sweet ending to a festive meal or enjoyed as a comforting snack on a cold winter’s day, these coils are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.