This week was Purim, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rescue of the Jewish people from the merciless hands of Haman. Here is an animated video that succinctly explains the festivity.

Hamantaschen is a dessert that is traditionally served during Purim. A hamantash is a filled-pocket pastry that is shaped like the triangular-shaped hat worn by Haman. These pastries are usually filled with jam or chocolate. They are super easy to make and taste heavenly. These pockets of goodness are not only liked by my Jewish- and non-Jewish friends alike, but also make a great grab n’ go snack. Kept in an airtight container, these sweeties stay fresh and chewy for at least 3-4 days.

Instructions

Serving: ~ 12 Hamantaschen

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 1/2 cup light spelt flour
•  1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg replacer, e.g. flax egg (1 tbsp. flax meal + 3 tbsp. water) or  3 tablespoons of applesauce
• 1/4 cup canola oil or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk – I used almond milk!
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

• Store-brought vegan fig jam – Or make your own filling!

Instructions 

1. Pre-heat oven to 180 °C.
2. Mix all dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
3. Mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
4. Add wet to dry mixture and then stir until-well-combined.
5. Knead dough with your hands until it comes together.
6. Roll out dough to about 0.5 cm in thickness on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut circles out using a cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass.
8. Place a tablespoon of your favorite jam-filling in the center of the cookie.
9. Pinch the edges firmly together to create a triangle, leaving the center open to expose the fruity filling. Repeat until the entire dough is used up.
10. Bake for roughly 20 minutes or until golden-brown.
11. Let pastries rest on baking tray for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Suggested Kitchen Soundtrack