Sweet bread

Nut Roll with Walnuts and Raisins – The Holiday Delight

The nut roll is undoubtedly an iconic dessert, a staple on festive tables, especially during the holidays. Its enticing aroma of walnuts and raisins, enriched with citrus notes, brings back memories of moments spent with family and the traditions that surround us. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in preparing a fluffy and fragrant nut roll that will impress anyone who tastes it.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 6 nut rolls

Ingredients for the dough:
- 3 kg flour
- 1.5 l milk
- 1 kg sugar
- 8 eggs (6 yolks and 2 whites for the cream)
- 2 lemons (zest)
- A pinch of salt
- Yeast (about the size of 2 walnuts)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 cup of oil

Ingredients for the cream:
- 8 egg whites
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1 packet cocoa powder
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 200 g raisins
- 500 g Turkish delight
- Rum essence (to taste)

Preparing the Dough:
1. Activating the yeast: Start by activating the yeast. In a bowl, combine 100 g of sugar, 1 egg, and the yeast, then add flour to create a starter. Let it rise for 15-20 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.

2. Heating the milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (not hot). Add the remaining sugar and stir until dissolved.

3. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, the activated starter, and the milk mixture. Knead the dough well, being careful not to overheat the yeast. Once the dough is smooth, add the yolks, lemon zest, salt, and oil. Continue kneading for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.

4. Letting the dough rise: Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces, cover them with a damp towel, and let them rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until they double in size.

Preparing the Cream:
1. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the 8 egg whites with 10 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a firm peak. Add the orange zest, cocoa powder, ground walnuts, raisins, and diced Turkish delight. Gently fold in the mixture to avoid deflating the egg whites.

Forming the Nut Rolls:
1. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has risen, take each piece and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick.

2. Adding the cream: Spread the cream evenly over each sheet of dough. Roll the sheet tightly to form a log.

3. Braiding: Once you have rolled all the sheets, take two logs and braid them together to form the nut roll. Repeat the process for the remaining logs.

4. Final rising: Place the nut rolls in baking trays lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Glazing and baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the nut rolls with egg yolk and sprinkle sugar on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until they are golden and baked through. Check with a skewer: if it comes out clean, the nut roll is ready.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations:
The nut roll is best served warm, but it is just as delicious when cold. It can be accompanied by a glass of warm milk or a cup of fruit tea. You can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly special dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I keep the nut roll fresh for longer?
Store the nut roll in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. You can also freeze it, sliced.

2. Can I use other fillings?
Absolutely! Instead of walnuts and raisins, try a chocolate or almond filling, or even a mix of dried fruits.

3. What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used lukewarm water, not hot. A warm, humid place for rising is essential.

Nutritional Benefits:
The nut roll contains carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the eggs, and healthy fats from the oil and nuts. Walnuts are rich in essential fatty acids, and raisins provide antioxidants and fiber. However, it’s important to consume the nut roll in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Possible Variations:
- Substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an even richer flavor.

This nut roll is not just a dessert, but a piece of our cultural heritage, a recipe that brings family and friends together around the table. With a little patience and love, you will create a fluffy, aromatic nut roll filled with pleasant memories. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 3 kg flour 1 1/2 l milk 1 kg sugar 8 eggs 2 lemons 1 pinch of salt yeast as much as 2 walnuts 1 packet of baking powder 1 glass of oil

 Tags:  easter bread and sweet bread sweet bread nut raisins delight pasta recipes