Tyrolean camping – a piece of tradition from our Berg Genuss Hotel in Neustift in the Stubai Valley

The Tyrolean Zelten is more than just a fruit loaf

It is a culinary ambassador of our traditions. This succulent pastry made from rye-wheat bread dough, dried fruit and crunchy nuts has been baked for generations in the run-up to Christmas and exudes the unmistakable aroma of cinnamon, cloves and other warming spices. At the Berg Genuss Hotel Augarten in Neustift in the Stubai Valley, we know this: Zelten belongs to the cold season like the snow-covered peaks belong to our region.

Today we take you on a journey through the history of this festive pastry and show you how you can easily make this Tyrolean delicacy yourself at home. Immerse yourself in the world of Zelten and be inspired by a recipe that is full of flavor and tradition!

 

Tyrolean tents – a true superfood

In addition to its unmistakable taste, Zelten is full of healthy ingredients:

• Dried fruits such as dried pears, figs and raisins provide natural sweetness, vitamins and valuable phytochemicals.
• Nuts provide the body with high-quality fatty acids, magnesium and vegetable protein.
• Spices such as cinnamon and cloves not only give the fruit bread its typical Christmas aroma, but also have a warming effect.
• Wholemeal flour made from rye and wheat provides fiber and supports healthy digestion.

In short: the Tiroler Zelten is not only a delight, but also a real power bread for the cold winter days.

 

Our Berg.Genuss.Rezept – A pre-Christmas greeting from the Stubai Valley

Here is the traditional recipe for the Tyrolean Zelten, inspired by the delicacies that our ancestors in the Stubai Valley prepared with devotion:

Ingredients from Tyrolean camping:

Filling (prepare the day before):

• 200 g raisins
• 250 g prunes (quartered)
• 200 g dried pears (bite-sized pieces)
• 250 g figs (quartered)
• 150 g hazelnuts or shelled almonds
• ½-¾ tbsp cinnamon, cloves and tent spice
• Peel of an orange
• 90 ml rum and 90 ml water

Bread dough:

• 125 g type 1600 wheat bread flour
• 125 g rye flour type 960
• 1 sachet of dry yeast
• 1 pinch of coriander & fennel
• 200 ml warm water
• 10 g salt

Sheathing:

• Thick pancake batter made from wheat flour, eggs, salt and milk

Preparation of Tyrolean tents:

1. Prepare the filling:
   Roast the hazelnuts in a pan until they are fragrant. Chop the dried fruit into small pieces and place in a bowl with the nuts, spices, orange zest, rum and water. Leave to infuse overnight in the fridge.
2. Make the bread dough:
   Knead all the ingredients (except salt) into a smooth dough. Work in the salt and leave the dough covered in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours.
3. Form the tents:
   Knead the filling into the dough, form two loaves and leave to rest for 30 minutes on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Bake:
   Pre-bake at 200 °C top/bottom heat for 30 minutes. Then coat the tents completely with pancake batter to prevent the dried fruit from burning. Bake for another 35 minutes until golden brown.
5. Leave to cool:
   Allow the tents to cool well before cutting. Then enjoy with a little butter.

We at the Berg Genuss Hotel Augarten in Neustift in the Stubai Valley wish you every success!

 

Finally, a little insight behind the scenes:

History & customs of Tyrolean camping

Tiroler Zelten has a long history and has always been a special festive pastry. Originally, people refined the bread with regional ingredients such as pears and nuts. Over time, tropical fruits such as raisins, figs and plums were added to the recipe. Thanks to its long shelf life, the Zelten was a treasured companion that was often enjoyed well into the New Year.
In Tyrol in particular, cutting the Zelten was considered a custom of love. Women gave the end piece, the “Scherz’l”, as a gift to their admirers. A smooth cut edge symbolized affection, while a rough cut edge meant rejection. Today, these customs remind us of the importance that love and community play in Tyrolean traditions.

 

A piece of Tyrolean tradition for your home

With this recipe, you can bring a piece of Stubai Valley tradition into your home. The aroma of fruit, nuts and spices brings the coziness of the Berg Genuss Hotel Augarten in Neustift in the Stubai Valley directly into your kitchen. Have fun baking and enjoying!

 

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming you and your loved ones to our Berg Genuss Hotel in Neustift soon!”

For more Christmas tips, visit our Augarten magazine. There are numerous ideas waiting to be discovered by you:
HERE

Helga & Stefan
from the Berg Genuss Hotel Neustift

 

Source:

https://www.innsbruck.info/blog/de/menschen-geschichten/zelten-anschneiden-ein-uralter-tiroler-brauch/