Jabolčni Štruklji (Slovenian Apple Rolls)
Delicate, steamed or boiled dough rolls filled with a sweet and slightly spiced apple and cinnamon mixture. A comforting and traditional Slovenian dessert or snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg
- 150 ml Milk(lukewarm)
- 30 g Butter(melted, plus more for greasing)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 500 g Apples(peeled, cored, and grated or finely diced)
- 50 g Sugar(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 30 g Breadcrumbs(toasted, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and melted butter. Gradually add lukewarm milk and the egg, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
💡 Tip: The dough should not be sticky. Add a little more flour if too wet, or a splash of milk if too dry. - 2
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
- 3
For the filling: In a separate bowl, combine grated apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Taste the filling and adjust sugar and cinnamon as needed. - 4
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough thinly into a large rectangle (about 30x40 cm).
💡 Tip: Roll the dough as thinly as possible without tearing. - 5
Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long side.
- 6
Starting from the long side with the filling, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
💡 Tip: Roll tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. - 7
Cut the log into 6 equal portions. Grease a pot or steamer basket with butter.
- 8
Place the rolls in the pot or steamer basket, ensuring they have some space between them. Steam or boil for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and tender.
💡 Tip: If boiling, ensure the water is gently simmering, not boiling vigorously. - 9
Carefully remove the struklji from the pot or steamer. Serve warm, sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer dough, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream.
- ✓If you don't have fresh apples, unsweetened applesauce can be used, but drain it well.
- ✓Štruklji can also be baked in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
🔄 Variations
- Add raisins or chopped walnuts to the apple filling.
- Serve with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or vanilla sauce.