Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

2 eggs
400 ml (14 fl. oz) milk
150 grams (0.5 cup) sugar
150 grams (0.5 cup) butter
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
vanilla extract
850 grams (6.5 cups) flour
We recommend:

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine *2 eggs*, *400 ml (14 fl. oz) milk*, *150 grams (0.5 cup) sugar*, *150 grams (0.5 cup) melted butter*, *0.5 teaspoon salt*, *1 tablespoon active dry yeast* and a dash of *vanilla extract*. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Slowly add *850 grams (6.5 cups) flour*, one cup at a time, to the wet ingredients. Stir continuously until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2

Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix *250 grams (2 cups) flour*, *250 grams (1 cup) sugar*, *100 grams (0.5 cup) softened butter*, and a dash of *vanilla extract*. Combine until the mixture has a crumbly texture.

Step 3

Assemble the Gata

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured surface to form a large rectangle.

Spread half of the filling mixture evenly over each rectangle of dough. Roll each rectangle into a tight log and cut into about 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) pieces.

Step 4

Bake the Gata

Preheat your oven to *180°C (350°F)*. Place the gata pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a mixture of *1 egg yolk* and *1 tablespoon milk* for a glossy finish.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 5

Cool and Serve

Allow the gata to cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Armenian Gata!

Servings

Bringing out the flavors of this Armenian Gata Pastry can be an art form in itself. Here are some serving suggestions and ideas to make this treat truly special: **Morning Delight** ☕: Serve a slice of Gata with your morning coffee or tea. The buttery, sweet notes of the pastry perfectly complement the rich, robust flavors of your favorite hot beverage. It's a match made in heaven! **Afternoon Snack** 🍰: Gata is an excellent choice for an afternoon pick-me-up. Pair it with a cold glass of milk or a fruity iced tea. You'll find yourself reaching for just one more slice. **Dessert Elegance** 🌟: Finish a lovely dinner with Gata served warm, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. **Gift from the Kitchen** 🎁: Wrap individual portions of Gata in decorative paper or place in a charming box. It's a heartfelt homemade gift that's sure to be appreciated by friends and family. Enjoying Armenian Gata is all about savoring each bite and the memories it creates. Whether you're sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a little "me time," this pastry is sure to become a favorite in your home. Dig in and delight in the sweet, buttery goodness!

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

You'll need at least two mixing bowls: one for the dough and one for the filling. Opt for glass or stainless steel for best results.

We recommend:
Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Perfect for mixing your ingredients without overworking the dough.

We recommend:

Variations

Exploring different dietary options? Here are some gluten-free and vegan variations of this mouth-watering Armenian Gata Pastry: **Gluten-Free Option** 🍞
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help the dough hold together. Follow the rest of the recipe as it is, and you'll enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten! **Vegan Option** 🌱
For a vegan twist on Gata, substitute the milk with a plant-based option like almond or oat milk. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the regular egg. Switch out the butter with a high-quality vegan butter. The rest of the recipe can stay the same, and you'll have a delightful vegan pastry that's just as scrumptious. Get creative and enjoy these tasty twists while sticking to your dietary preferences!

Faq

  • Why isn’t my dough rising?

    Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. Room temperature or slightly warmer is ideal.

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

    Yes, but make sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors correctly.

  • How can I achieve a more even golden color on my pastry?

    Ensure even brushing with the egg yolk and milk mixture and bake in the center of the oven. You may need to rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.

  • Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the filling?

    Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds and dried fruits like raisins or apricots can add a delightful twist to the traditional Gata filling.

  • How should I store the Gata pastry to keep it fresh?

    Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

  • Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

    Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.

Nutrition facts

Armenian Gata Recipe: A Delicious Sweet Bread
Recipe Yield:2 gatas
Calories:Approximately 400-450 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):400 - 450
Total Fat:18g
Saturated Fat:10g
Protein:7g
Total Carbohydrate:55g
Total Sugars:25g