Nut and poppy seed cake

Nut Roll with Walnut and Poppy Seeds – A Holiday Delight

The nut roll with walnut and poppy seeds is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true culinary tradition that combines the rich flavors of walnuts with the fluffy texture of the dough. This dessert is often associated with special moments in our lives, such as winter holidays or family meals. Preparing the nut roll may seem intimidating, but with patience and a little effort, you will achieve a delicious result.

In this recipe, I will guide you step by step through the process of making a nut roll with walnut and poppy seeds, emphasizing each important detail.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 2 kg of wheat flour (choose a high-quality flour with a high gluten content)
- Milk (about 1 liter, enough to absorb the flour)
- 2-3 packets of fresh yeast (or 3-5 tablespoons of dry yeast)
- 5 eggs (use fresh eggs, preferably from free-range chickens)
- 250 g of butter (at room temperature, for easy incorporation)
- 400 g of sugar (powdered sugar dissolves more easily)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an aromatic flavor)
- 800 g of ground walnuts (or more, to taste)
- 2 egg whites (for the filling)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 100 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and add a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast.

2. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Pour the activated starter into this well. Add the egg yolks, soft butter, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and the remaining milk gradually, mixing constantly. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. This may take about 10-15 minutes.

3. Rising: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 30 minutes. The dough should double in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, grind the walnuts if they are not already ground. Mix the ground walnuts with sugar (to taste) and add the 2 beaten egg whites. This combination will create a fluffy and delicious filling.

5. Shaping the nut roll: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. Take each piece and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a rectangle. Evenly spread the walnut filling on each piece of dough.

6. Rolling: Roll each rectangle of dough, starting from one edge, to form a tight log. Make sure the filling stays inside. Repeat this process for all 4 pieces of dough.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the nut rolls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring to leave enough space between them as they will expand. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the nut rolls are golden and well risen. Check if they are baked through by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

8. Cooling: After baking, let the nut rolls cool on a wire rack to avoid condensation.

Serving and suggestions:

The nut roll with walnut and poppy seeds is delicious served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can accompany it with a glass of fresh milk, coffee, or aromatic tea. Additionally, adding a spoonful of apricot or raspberry jam on each slice will give it a fresh touch.

Customized version:

If you want to experiment, you can add raisins, candied fruits, or even dark chocolate to the filling. This will give the nut roll a unique twist and surprise your guests at festive meals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but make sure to adjust the amount of milk, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.

2. How can I check if the yeast is active? If the starter becomes frothy after sitting with milk and sugar, the yeast is active.

3. How long does the nut roll last? The nut roll keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits:

The nut roll with walnut and poppy seeds is not only tasty but also brings nutritional benefits. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. They also contain essential minerals like magnesium, which helps reduce stress and improve mood.

With this recipe for nut roll with walnut and poppy seeds, you will bring to your table not just a dessert but also a symbol of tradition and good taste. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process! Bon appétit!