Nut, poppy seed and Turkish delight sweet bread

Nut, poppy seed, and Turkish delight bread – a traditional delight perfect for holidays or special occasions! This simple yet aromatic recipe will bring joy in every slice. Let’s prepare to transform the basic ingredients into this delicious dessert and enjoy every step of the process.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 2 packets of dry yeast (or 40 g fresh yeast)
- 1 liter milk
- 250 g ground poppy seeds
- 200 g Turkish delight (preferably in cubes)
- 300 g sugar
- 600 g ground walnuts
- 1 egg (for brushing)

Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by preparing the starter, a crucial step for achieving a fluffy bread. In a small pot, bring 50 ml of milk to a boil. Once the milk starts to boil, add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix vigorously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. This starter will help activate the yeast, giving your bread an airy texture.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the remaining flour. Add the dry yeast (or fresh yeast dissolved in a tablespoon of warm milk) and sugar. Mix well. Then, gradually pour in the rest of the warm milk along with the cooled starter. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. You can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: The filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the ground poppy seeds and the remaining sugar. If you want a contrast of textures, you can add cubes of Turkish delight to this filling, which will melt slightly in the oven, providing a sweet taste and intense aroma.

Step 4: Assembling the bread
After the dough has risen, divide it into two or three equal parts, depending on how large you want the breads to be. Roll out each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface, forming a rectangle. Evenly sprinkle the walnut and poppy seed filling, then roll the dough tightly into a log. Place the logs in greased or parchment-lined loaf pans.

Step 5: Baking
Let the breads rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the surface of the breads with a beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake the breads for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Once done, let the breads cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on a rack. You can serve the bread sliced, alongside a cup of warm milk or fragrant tea.

Possible variations:
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of vanilla essence to the dough or experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios. You can also replace the Turkish delight with raisins or dates for a healthier option.

This nut, poppy seed, and Turkish delight bread is more than just a dessert; it is a tradition, a memory, and an opportunity to share special moments with loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 2 packets of yeast, 1 liter of milk, 250 g ground poppy seeds, 200 g Turkish delight, 300 g sugar, 600 g ground walnuts, 1 egg