16 Currant Square Recipe South Africa Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Currant squares are a popular dessert in South Africa, known for their sweet and tangy flavor and flaky pastry crust. This traditional treat is often served during special occasions and holidays, but can also be enjoyed as a delicious everyday snack. The combination of buttery pastry, tart currants, and a touch of sugar make for a mouthwatering treat that is loved by many. In this article, we will explore the history of currant squares in South Africa and provide a step-by-step recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Scones are a classic breakfast treat, and these orange-currant scones take it to the next level. The zesty orange flavor pairs perfectly with the tartness of the currants, creating a delicious balance of flavors. These scones are perfect for a lazy weekend morning or as a snack with a hot cup of tea.
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Mini Orange-Currant Scones
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
If you're looking for a bite-sized version of the classic orange-currant scones, then these mini scones are the perfect choice. They are great for parties or as a sweet treat for kids. The best part is, you can make a large batch of these and freeze them for later. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes and you have a fresh batch of scones whenever you want.
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South African Bobotie-Spiced Risotto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Shallot, Risotto Rice, White Wine, Chicken
For a unique and flavorful twist on the classic risotto, try this South African Bobotie-Spiced Risotto. It combines the traditional flavors of Bobotie, a popular South African dish, with creamy risotto for a delicious and hearty meal. The spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, give this dish a warm and fragrant taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Irish Soda Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Butter, Currants
This traditional Irish soda bread is a must-try for any bread lover. It's a simple and rustic bread that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The addition of currants adds a touch of sweetness to the bread, making it perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, this bread is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great beginner recipe.
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Currant Scones
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
If you're a fan of classic scones, then you'll love this recipe for currant scones. The addition of currants gives these scones a burst of flavor and texture, making them the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. These scones are also great for a brunch or afternoon tea party.
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Currant Bread
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Salt, Caster Sugar, Butter, Dried Yeast
This simple and delicious currant bread is perfect for those who love a sweet and tangy flavor. The currants add a pop of tartness to the bread, while the bread itself is soft and slightly sweet. This bread is great for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
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Orange Currant Scones
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Sea Salt
These orange currant scones are a delightful twist on the classic scones. The bright and zesty flavor of the orange complements the tartness of the currants perfectly, creating a mouth-watering combination. These scones are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and they are sure to impress your guests.
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Irish Currant Scones
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt, Softened
For a taste of Ireland, try these Irish currant scones. They are a classic recipe that has been passed down for generations. The currants add a burst of flavor and texture to the scones, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve them with some clotted cream and jam for an authentic Irish experience.
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Cinnamon Currant Bread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Water, Sugar, Yeast, Wheat Flour, All
If you love the warm and comforting flavor of cinnamon, then this cinnamon currant bread is a must-try. The combination of cinnamon and currants creates a deliciously sweet and spicy bread that is perfect for any time of day. This bread is great for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.
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Currant Molasses Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Eggs, Mace, Salt, Lemon Rind, Cream Of Tartar
This rich and decadent currant molasses cake is a must-try for any dessert lover. The currants add a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness of the molasses, creating a deliciously complex flavor. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for yourself.
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Orange Currant Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Butter, Orange Rind
This orange currant bread is a delightful twist on the classic currant bread. The zesty orange flavor pairs perfectly with the tartness of the currants, creating a deliciously sweet and tangy bread. This bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.
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Arizmendi Currant Scones
Main Ingredients: Pastry, All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
This recipe for Arizmendi currant scones is a delicious take on the classic scones. These scones are packed with currants and have a hint of orange flavor, making them a perfect breakfast or brunch treat. Plus, the recipe is from the famous Arizmendi Bakery in San Francisco, so you know it's going to be good.
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Homemade Currant Cordial
Main Ingredients: Currants, Water, Ginger, Orange Zest, Sugar
If you're looking for a unique and refreshing drink, then try making your own currant cordial. This homemade cordial is made with fresh currants, sugar, and water, and it's perfect for a hot summer day. You can also use it as a mixer for cocktails or add it to sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option.
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Currant cranberry bread
Main Ingredients: Currants, Raisins, Cranberries, Flour, Yeast, Sugar
This recipe for currant cranberry bread is a delicious and festive treat for the holidays. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the currants, creating a delicious balance of flavors. This bread is perfect for breakfast or as a gift for friends and family.
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Currant Panna Cotta
Main Ingredients: Milk, Cream, Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Gelatin Sheets
This creamy and indulgent currant panna cotta is a must-try for any dessert lover. The currants add a burst of flavor and texture to the smooth and rich panna cotta, making it a decadent treat. Serve it with some fresh berries for an extra pop of flavor.
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Dutch Currant Buns
Main Ingredients: Currants, Butter, Milk, Extract, Eggs, All Purpose
If you're looking for a traditional Dutch treat, then these currant buns are the perfect choice. They are soft and slightly sweet, with a burst of tartness from the currants. These buns are great for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Currant Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients: Milk, Melted Butter, Vanilla Essence, Sugar, All
These currant cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon rolls. The addition of currants gives these rolls a burst of flavor and texture, making them even more irresistible. These rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and they are sure to impress your guests.
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Apple Blueberry and Currant Pie
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Vegetable Fat, Butter
This apple blueberry and currant pie is a delicious and unique twist on the classic apple pie. The addition of blueberries and currants adds a burst of flavor and texture, creating a deliciously complex pie that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
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The Best Currant Buns
Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, Granulated Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All
This recipe for the best currant buns is a must-try for any bread lover. These buns are soft, fluffy, and packed with currants for a burst of flavor in every bite. They are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Dutch Currant Buns (Krentenbollen)
Main Ingredients: Strong White Bread Flour, Orange, Instant Yeast, Sugar
These Dutch currant buns, also known as Krentenbollen, are a beloved traditional treat in the Netherlands. They are soft, slightly sweet, and packed with currants for a burst of flavor. These buns are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
The History of Currant Squares in South Africa
Currant squares have a long history in South Africa, dating back to the early 19th century when British colonizers introduced the dessert to the country. The name "currant squares" comes from the use of dried currants, a small dried grape, which is a key ingredient in the recipe. These dried fruits were commonly used in British desserts, and their popularity quickly spread to South Africa.
Over the years, the recipe for currant squares has evolved, with each family adding their own unique twist to the classic dish. Some use a shortbread-like crust, while others opt for a flaky pastry. Some recipes call for a lattice top, while others prefer a crumble topping. Regardless of the variations, one thing remains constant – the irresistible combination of sweet and tart flavors.
The South African Twist
In South Africa, currant squares are often enjoyed during tea time or as a dessert after a hearty meal. The addition of apricot jam and a sprinkle of cinnamon is what sets the South African version apart from its British counterpart. This extra touch adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that elevates the traditional currant square to a whole new level.
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How to Make Currant Squares
If you're ready to try your hand at making this delectable South African treat, here's a simple and easy recipe to follow.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1-2 tbsp cold water
¾ cup dried currants
3 tbsp apricot jam
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk with the sugar until well combined. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp of cold water.
Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is evenly distributed.
Spread the apricot jam over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle the dried currants over the jam and then sprinkle the cinnamon on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the currant squares to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Now that you know the history and have a delicious recipe for currant squares, it's time to try it for yourself. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat with a cup of tea. Either way, these South African currant squares are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
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