Nut and Turkish Delight Cake

Nut Roll with Nuts and Turkish Delight - An Unforgettable Recipe

The nut roll is more than just a simple dessert; it is a symbol of holidays and family traditions, a fragrant delight that reminds us of moments spent together. Although it is not customary in our home to make nut rolls for the winter holidays, we decided to venture into preparing two delicious rolls, using ground nuts, Turkish delight, and many other ingredients. The result? A fluffy roll, full of flavor, perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12-14 slices

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of wheat flour (choose a quality flour with a higher gluten content for a fluffier dough)
- 4 eggs (at room temperature, to incorporate better into the dough)
- 2 tablespoons of lard (you can also use butter, but lard gives a special flavor)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sour cream (choose a fatty sour cream for a richer dough)
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- sparkling water for kneading (carbonated water helps activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough)
- grated zest of one orange (adds a wonderful fragrance)
- a pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon of oil (for kneading)

For the filling:
- 300 g of ground nuts (make sure they are fresh for an intense flavor)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa (can be omitted, but adds a hint of chocolate)
- 2 egg whites (beaten until stiff)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 rum essence (for a special taste)
- grated zest of one lemon (for a contrast of flavor)
- Turkish delight (cut into cubes, adds a special texture)
- 1 egg for brushing (for a golden crust)
- poppy seeds (for decoration)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (to glaze the rolls after baking)

Preparing the dough

1. Preparing the lard: Melt the lard in a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to make it too hot. Let it cool slightly.

2. Beating the eggs: In a bowl, beat the 4 eggs with the sugar until they become a fluffy and light mixture.

3. Activating the yeast: Rub the cube of yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Heat about ¾ cup of sparkling water until lukewarm. Add the activated yeast to the warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes.

4. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Pour in the activated yeast, then the beaten eggs, sour cream, and melted lard. Mix gently, adding the pinch of salt, orange zest, and vanilla essence.

5. Kneading: Start to gradually add warm sparkling water, kneading continuously until you obtain an elastic but non-sticky dough. Finally, knead for one minute with a tablespoon of oil, then "slap" the dough in the bowl several times - an essential trick for a fluffy roll!

6. Allowing to rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place until the dough doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Preparing the filling

7. Preparing the nut filling: In a bowl, mix the egg whites with sugar until they become a firm foam. Add the ground nuts, rum essence, cocoa, and lemon zest. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous cream. If necessary, you can add a little milk to improve the consistency.

Shaping the rolls

8. Dividing the dough: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts, then each part into three pieces.

9. Rolling out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle. Place the nut filling and pieces of Turkish delight on each rectangle. Roll up the dough, then braid the three strands to form a roll.

10. Placing in trays: Line two trays with a little butter and baking paper. Place the rolls in the trays and let them rise for another 15 minutes.

Baking

11. Preheating the oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (3 and a half).

12. Brushing the rolls: After they have risen, brush them with beaten egg and sprinkle poppy seeds on top.

13. Baking: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, until golden and risen.

Finishing

14. Glazing: After baking, mix the honey with 3-4 tablespoons of water. Brush the rolls with this mixture and cover them with a clean towel to keep them soft.

15. Serving: Once cooled, slice them and serve with pleasure alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful tips

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform and well-risen dough.
- You can replace nuts with almonds or hazelnuts, and Turkish delight can be replaced with raisins or candied fruits, thus offering a variation of the recipe.
- If you want to experiment, add a little cinnamon or ginger to the filling for a more exotic flavor.

Nutritional benefits

The nut roll is rich in carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, while Turkish delight adds extra sweetness and texture.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I keep the nut roll fresh for longer?
- Wrap the nut roll in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

2. Can I freeze the nut roll?
- Yes, the nut roll can be frozen. Slice it and wrap it well before placing it in the freezer.

3. What other recipes pair well with the nut roll?
- The nut roll pairs perfectly with a cup of warm milk, tea, or coffee, but also with vanilla ice cream for a special dessert.

This nut roll with nuts and Turkish delight is not just a delicious recipe, but also a memory full of emotions and traditions. Experiment with this recipe in the comfort of your home and turn each slice into a joy for the soul!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 4 eggs, 2 tablespoons lard heaped, 4-5 tablespoons sour cream, half a cup of sugar, 1 cube of yeast (25 g), sparkling water for kneading, grated orange peel, 1 pinch of salt, 1 vanilla essence, 1 tablespoon oil. For the filling: a bowl of ground walnuts, 1 heaped tablespoon of cocoa, 2 egg whites, 4-5 tablespoons sugar, 1 rum essence, grated lemon peel, a little milk (if the walnuts don't soften with just the egg whites, add a little milk), Turkish delight, 1 egg for brushing, poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon honey.

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