Best Almond Triangles Trigona Recipes

Almond triangles (trigona) is a traditional Mediterranean pastry that is believed to have originated in Greece. It is a sweetened pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with almond paste. This pastry is often served during the holiday season or as a dessert for special occasions.

History of Almond Triangles (Trigona)

The history of almond triangles (trigona) dates back to the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. The pastry was initially called "koptoplakous," which means "cut in pieces." It was a popular pastry in Greece for centuries before spreading throughout the Mediterranean region. The pastry's name was changed to "trigona" when it became popular in Cyprus. The word "trigona" means "triangles" in Greek, which refers to the pastry's triangular shape. Over time, this pastry has become a beloved dessert, enjoyed throughout Greece, Cyprus, and the rest of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

The traditional recipe for almond triangles (trigona) includes the following ingredients:

• Phyllo dough
• Almond paste
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Butter
• Honey
• Water

Preparation Method

Making almond triangles (trigona) involves several steps:

1. Making the Almond Filling: In a large bowl, mix the almond paste, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon until you get a smooth consistency. Set aside.
2. Preparing the Phyllo Dough: Remove the phyllo dough from its packaging and layer the sheets on a flat surface. Using a brush, coat each layer with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have several buttered layers of phyllo dough stacked on top of each other.
3. Cutting the Phyllo Dough: Cut the buttered phyllo dough into strips approximately 2-3 inches wide. Place a spoonful of almond filling on one end of each strip, and then fold the strip over to form a triangle. Continue folding the strip until you reach the end.
4. Baking the Almond Triangles (Trigona): Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the almond triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the triangles are golden brown.
5. Preparing the Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, mix the honey and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the syrup thickens.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove the almond triangles from the oven and drizzle the honey syrup over them. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Variations of Almond Triangles (Trigona)

Over the years, almond triangles (trigona) have evolved, and many chefs have added their own twist to the traditional recipe. Here are some popular variations of almond triangles:

Chocolate Almond Triangles (Trigona)

This variation of almond triangles includes melting chocolate into the almond mixture to give it a chocolatey flavor. It is a favorite among chocolate lovers and perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Orange Blossom Almond Triangles (Trigona)

This variation of almond triangles includes orange blossom water added to the almond mixture, giving it a unique flavor and aroma. It is a refreshing twist to the traditional recipe and perfect for summer.

Pistachio Almond Triangles (Trigona)

This variation of almond triangles includes adding pistachios to the almond mixture, providing a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. These triangles are perfect for those who love pistachios and want something different from the traditional almond filling.

Conclusion

Almond triangles (trigona) are a sweet and decadent treat that has been around for centuries. This pastry, with its layers of buttery phyllo dough and sweet almond filling, has brought joy and comfort to many people over the years. Whether traditional or with a twist, almond triangles are a beloved dessert throughout the Mediterranean region and beyond.

Almond triangles, also known as Trigona, are a famous Greek bakery item. They're flaky, buttery, and filled with a delicious almond paste. Almond triangles are perfect for a light breakfast, with coffee, or even as a snack. Making almond triangles can be daunting, but with some valuable tips, you'll create the perfect almond triangles that are sure to impress.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making almond triangles, the quality of the ingredients should never be compromised. Here are some essential ingredients to look for:

Almond Paste

The key ingredient in almond triangles is the almond paste. You can either make your almond paste from scratch or buy it from a store. If you're purchasing it from a store, always look for high-quality paste with a rich almond flavor.

Butter

Butter is the main component of pastry dough. Always make sure that you use high-quality salted butter that is chilled not frozen. It's essential to use cold butter as it will help to create a flaky pastry.

Flour

Choosing the right flour is just as important as choosing the right almond paste and butter. Always use high-quality, unbleached all-purpose flour. Avoid using self-rising flour, as it contains leavening agents that could interfere with the pastry's texture.

Preparing the Pastry Dough

Preparing pastry dough is an essential part of making almond triangles. Follow these tips for preparing the dough that will create a flaky pastry.

Chill the Butter

Chill the butter before using it in pastry dough. Chilling helps the butter hold its shape and ensures that it doesn't melt too quickly when combined with the flour.

Use cold water

Always use cold water when making pastry dough. Cold water will prevent the butter from melting too quickly and will help create a flaky pastry.

Don't Overwork the Dough

When rolling the dough, avoid over kneading it. Overworking the dough will create gluten and result in a tough, chewy pastry.

Making the Almond Paste Filling

The filling is the hero of almond triangles. Here are some tips for making the perfect almond paste filling:

Sugar and Almond paste

To create a smooth and creamy filling, mix sugar and almond paste by pulsing into a food processor, with a metal blade or using a mortar and pestle to break down the almonds.

Add some Flavour

To add some depth to the filling, you can add a tiny quantity of cinnamon or rosewater. Cinnamon adds warmth to the flavor while rosewater adds a floral scent.

Stirring Almond Paste

When stirring the almond paste filling, use a wooden spoon, as it won't absorb the oils like a metal spoon, will prevent sticking and avoid any metallic taste in the almond paste.

Shaping the Almond Triangles

Shaping almond triangle can be tricky, but with these tips, you can create the perfect-looking pastry.

Cut a perfect rectangular-shaped pastry

When cutting the pastry dough, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to create a perfect rectangular shape pastry.

Give the Trigona their Signature Triangle Shape

Create a triangle-shaped pastry by cutting the pastry from one corner towards the opposite side or folding it like an envelope and cutting it diagonally to create a triangle-shaped pastry.

Egg wash

Always apply egg wash on the pastry dough before baking. The egg wash adds a golden shine and texture to the pastry and helps the almonds stick to it.

Baking the Almond Triangles

Baking almond triangles is the last and most crucial step, and can make or break your dessert. Here are some tips to baking the perfect almond triangles.

Baking the Trigona

When baking almond triangles, it's important to preheat the oven to 350°F for about 20 minutes. It would help if you were careful not to overbake or underbake the pastry. Almond triangles will take between 15 to 20 minutes to bake to perfection.

Add Syrup

After removing the almond triangles from the oven, drizzle some syrup. The syrup will add sweetness and moisture to the pastry, keeping it fresh for longer.

Cooling

Once you have finished baking the almond triangles, allow them to cool before biting into them. It's best to leave them to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

Making almond triangles trigona recipes at home can be a bit time-consuming and requires precision, attention to detail and following the steps carefully. Remember to avoid overworking the dough or filling, use high-quality ingredients, and keep a close eye on baking the pasty. By following these tips, you can create the perfect almond triangles that are sure to impress at any gathering.