Savor the delectable flaky brioche pastries of Mallorca on your forthcoming journey, a tantalizing alternative to traditional churros.
The Ensaïmada, a sweet pastry iconic to the beautiful island of Mallorca, has a rich history and a unique taste that sets it apart. This delightful treat, first documented in the 17th century, takes its name from the Catalan word for lard, saïm.
The traditional recipe for Mallorcan Ensaïmadas calls for approximately 260g of flour, 50g of cornstarch, and 1 packet of dry baker's yeast. The dough is also sweetened with 40g of sugar, and the flavour is enhanced with 1 egg, 150ml of warm water, 50g of melted butter, 1 tsp of salt, 4 tbsp of neutral oil (such as sunflower or grape seed), and 5 cl of milk.
The dough is kneaded for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes soft, springy, and slightly sticky. It is then left to rest for 30 to 40 minutes to rise again. After this, the dough is rolled into thin rectangles, brushed with oil, and rolled into long sausages before being formed into the traditional ensaïmada spiral.
The ensaïmadas are then baked at 190°C for 15 minutes, with a brief removal halfway through to be brushed with milk again. Once baked, they are set aside to cool before being dusted generously with icing sugar and served warm or cold the same day.
The most famous ensaïmada topping is the amb cabell d'àngel version, filled with strands of candied pumpkin. However, ensaïmadas can also be dusted with icing sugar or enhanced with various toppings such as custard, chocolate, apricot, turrón (a local nougat), and sobrassada (a Mallorcan sausage).
For those seeking the most authentic versions of ensaïmadas, less touristy areas on the island of Mallorca often offer the best finds. The ensaïmada has a geographical indication since 1996, confirmed by the Government of the Balearic Islands in 2003.
Visitors to Mallorca in 2023 may find the summer months of July and August ideal, with temperatures nearly 26°C and minimal rain, making it perfect for beach and water activities. Alternatively, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists and more peaceful conditions.
Whether you're a food lover or a traveller seeking unique experiences, the ensaïmada of Mallorca is a must-try. Its rich history, traditional preparation, and delicious taste make it a perfect addition to your travel itinerary.
