In this article, I present the Monas de pascuabrioches found in Catalonia and other parts of Spain at Easter!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of these Monas de Pascua
- Regional characteristics of this brioche
- The tradition that goes with it
- Practical information for eating out in Barcelona
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Monas de pascua, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Monas de Pascua: article summary
Monas de pascua: Spain's most famous Easter cake
Spain is a Catholic country where religious holidays are highly celebrated. Whether it's the week of August 15th, or Christmas and its astonishing tradition of the Caga TioEvery time of year has its own festival and custom. And Easter is no exception, with its Monas de Pascua.
Let me introduce you to these brioches, their regional differences and the traditions that surround them!
The origins of Monas de pascua
Visit Mona de pascua is a brioche generally found only at Easter, and is eaten, particularly in Catalonia, only on Easter day.
The word Mona derives from the Arabic Munnawhich meant offerings offered by the Moors to their rulers. The original Mona comes from the Valencia region, but these buns have spread throughout the country and can now be found in the regions of Murcia, Castile, Catalonia and Aragon. Each region has its own variant and if brioche is a common base, we'll see that regional versions are quite different.
Enjoy it the first day after Lent and marks the end of deprivation, with its sweet flavours and generous ingredients.
What is a Mona de Pascua made of?
Mona de Pascua has all the makings of a traditional brioche.
It's made with flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, vanilla sugar and a little salt. The dough is kneaded for a long time and left to rest, before being baked for around 20 minutes in a well-heated oven.
While some people take the trouble to make their own at home, it's now much easier to go to the shops. at the corner bakery to buy a ready-made one!
What traditions surround these buns?
The special feature of this preparation is that it contains one whole hard-boiled egg (or several, depending on the variation) buried under the dough! This gives it its unique shape. Traditionally, the hard-boiled eggs inside are combed.
Increasingly, however, these eggs are being replaced by chocolate eggs or Kinder surprise, to the delight of the youngest.
According to tradition, these are sponsors who give a Mona to their godchild!
The different types of Monas de Pascua in Spain
Here are a few regional examples of Monas de Pascua, which you might come across on a trip to Spain.
- Visit panquemadowhich is the most classic form
- Visit crownwith one egg in the center, or several eggs around the edges, typical of the Valencia region.
- Visit mona catalane can be filled with chocolate, custard or even jam, and topped with crema catalana. You should see it in Barcelona at Easter!
- In the Balearic Islands, a version with a meringue at the top. Gourmets love them!
Monas can take many forms, from animals to more unusual elements, at the pastry chef's discretion. Sometimes, these same Monas are covered in chocolate glitter and other little sweets!
It is increasingly common to see them decorated with small characters or decorations in sugar or marzipan, sometimes on specific themes: soccer, cartoons, films, etc.
As you can see, there isn't just one Monas de Pascua, but many. Each to its own preference, and if you can, taste as much as you can to find your favorite!
Where to enjoy delicious Monas de Pascua in Barcelona: my 5 favourite addresses!
Here are 5 patisseries where you can enjoy delicious Monas in Barcelona. The best time to visit the Catalan capital is in April!
- L'Escribàconsidered to be one of the Barcelona's best pastry shops ! Her Easter window is filled with Monas! Just a stone's throw from the la Boqueria.
- Visit Mauri pastry shopthat you will come across on the Ramblas from Barcelona!
- Bocíwest of the Gracia districtwhose preparations are sure to make your mouth water!
- The chocolatier's boutiques Oriol Balaguer who offer chocolate Monas de Pascua to die for!
- Visit Forn EliasThis historic bakery also celebrates Easter by baking brioches! It is located 15 minutes north of the Sagrada Familia
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