Tradition says that the number of its ingredients must be odd. Our lantern pie has 9 ingredients and 1 secret!
It is traditionally made for the feast of Agios Fanourios, on August 27, but also throughout the year, when we lose something and want it to be revealed. The recipe of the fanouropita is deeply rooted in the Greek tradition and the Orthodox Church, according to which, the mother of Saint Fanourios was a sinner and wanted to be forgiven. Thus, every year, on August 27, the housewives take lantern pies to the church to be read by the priest and then distribute them to the neighborhood saying the wish “God bless the mother of Saint Fanourios”.
Beyond the symbolism and customs, fanuropita is still a delicious cake, loved by young and old alike. The secret of our own fanouropita lies in the baking. The lantern pie should not get too much color on top, because it will become crispy. So, take it out of the oven at the right time to enjoy it fluffy and juicy!
Recipe: Ioanna Stamoulos
Photographs: Stefania Vassiliou
Preparation time: 10′ Baking time: 45′
Ingredients for a medium baking pan (for about 12 pieces)
• 1 glass of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 glass of sugar
• 1 shot of cognac
• 1 glass of freshly squeezed orange juice + zest from 1 orange
• 500gr. self-rising flour
• 3 tsp. cinnamon soup
• 1 tsp. sweet clove
• 1 glass of coarsely ground walnuts
• 1 glass of Corinthian raisins
Procedure
Preheat the oven to 180°C on the resistances and lightly grease a medium baking pan.
Beat the olive oil with the sugar in the mixer and when the sugar dissolves, add the orange juice, the orange zest and the brandy, continuing the beating until they are homogenized.
Take a handful of flour and mix it with the raisins and walnuts. Mix the spices into the rest of the flour and gradually add them to the liquid mixture. Somewhere in the middle, stop the mixer and complete the mixing with a spatula.
Finally, incorporate the floured walnuts and raisins into the dough and pour the final mixture into the greased pan. Flatten the top with a spatula and bake the fanuropita in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and after the pie has cooled, serve it cut into pieces. If desired, decorate with a little powdered sugar.
EXTRA TIP
We check if it is ready when we try to pierce it in the center with a knife and then take it out dry.
Source: Skai
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