Kolokotes (Squash Pastries)

site search by freefind advanced

 

~ Kolokotes are a very much known and popular home made Pastry in Cyprus. People usually make them during the cold days of the winter.
~ I believe they are worth trying, because they are very tasty, nutritious and best of all they are made with all natural ingredients.
~ I don’t thing they are very well known outside Cyprus unless you are Cypriot or the recipe was given to you by a Cypriot.
~ The most important think to remember is that the stuffing ingredients have to be prepared at least 24 hours in advance.

~ Stuffing Ingredients:   ~ 3 cups of diced squash ~ 3-4 tbsp of pourgouri (Crushed Wheat Coarse) ~ 3 tbsp of olive oil ~ 2 tbsp of sugar ~ 1 cup of golden raisins ~ 1 tsp of powder cinnamon ~ 1/2 tsp of salt ~ 1/2 tsp of pepper ~ 1/2 tsp of powder gloves
~ Dough ingredients:   ~ 4 cups of all purpose flour ~ 1 tbsp of lemon juice ~ 1 tsp of salt ~ 1/2 a cup of olive oil ~ 1/2-1 cup of water

 

~ As it was mentioned above mix all stuffing ingredients at least 24 hours in advance in order for the squash and the pourgouri to absorb the flavors of the cinnamon and gloves. ~ The following day we prepare the dough mix. ~ Place the flour in a bowl and mix well with salt. ~ Add the olive oil and with your fingers mix well until the oil is fully absorbed by the flour. ~ Gradually add the lemon juice and water and knead until the dough is firm. ~ Cover the bowl with a thick cloth and let it rest for about 45 minutes. ~ Knead again for about 5 minutes and now you are ready to open your home made fillo. ~ Cut your dough in 6-8 pieces and form into small balls. ~ With a dough roller, roll each ball into a long and wide sheet of about 1/8 inch thick. ~ Cut your fillo into round shapes of about 6 inches in diameter. ~ Brush lightly each piece at the edge with cold water and place in the center 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp of stuffing. ~ Fold them into half moon shapes and with a fork press the edges of your kolokotes to seal. ~ In a baking tray place non-stick cooking paper and place your kolokotes on it. ~ Preheat your oven to 360 degrees (see Conversions) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown. ~ Your kolokotes are ready to be served. They can also be eaten cold. ~ Good luck and bon appetite.