Strava

This is the ultimate in Kastellorizian sweets and is only made for weddings and name days. Strava derives its name from the oblique angle on which it is cut.

Yield: 60 strava

Ingredients

Syrup

• 3 pounds honey
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Pastry

• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 pounds plain flour
• Water

Nut-Coconut Filling

• 1 pound walnut pieces
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 level teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 level teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 level teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pound almond pieces
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Peanut oil (for frying)

Instructions

Syrup

1. Bring the ingredients to a boil. Set aside to cool.

Pastry

1. Rub oil into flour and add sufficient water to make a soft dough. Knead for at least 10 minutes until dough is smooth in texture and whitish in color. Divide into 3 sections. Roll out fairly thin. Brush with olive oil.

Nut-Coconut Filling

1. Combine filling ingredients. Sprinkle pastry all over with Nut-Coconut Filling and roll up firmly. Cut on oblique lines at approximately 3-inch intervals.
2. Heat oil and cook pastry for about 12 minutes. Place in colander to drain off surplus oil.
3. Place Strava in honey mixture and leave for 10 minutes.