Poppy seed beigli

Poppy Seed Beigli: A Delicacy Cooked with Love

Who doesn't love a dessert that brings back childhood memories, moments spent with loved ones? Poppy seed beigli is such a dessert that, regardless of the season, revives the scent and warmth of home. I cherish this recipe from my mother, and each bite reminds me of evenings spent around the table, savoring every slice of beigli. Cook it with me and let yourself be carried away by its unmistakable aromas!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 5 beigli

Ingredients for the Dough:
- 600 g flour
- 280 g butter (preferably unsalted, at room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- 10 g fresh yeast
- Sour cream (about 100-150 g, for a soft texture)
- A pinch of salt
- Sugar and milk for activating the yeast

Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups water (250 ml)
- 400 g sugar
- 500 g ground poppy seeds
- 100 g raisins (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 2 egg whites
- Zest of 2 lemons (for a fresh taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 vials of rum

For Brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step by Step:

1. Activating the Yeast: Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a little warm milk. Set it aside for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the stage where the yeast works its magic!

2. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, then incorporate the cubed butter. Gently rub the mixture with your fingers until it resembles fine sand. Add the risen yeast, the 2 egg yolks, and the sour cream, mixing until you obtain a soft and elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

3. Preparing the Filling: In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring constantly until you obtain a soft syrup. Add the ground poppy seeds and simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little water to obtain a spreadable paste. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold them into the poppy mixture, adding the lemon zest, rum, and vanilla sugar.

4. Forming the Beigli: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 5 equal portions. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface, similar to a loaf of bread, and spread the poppy filling on top. Gently roll each sheet into a log shape. Place each beigli on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Preparing for Baking: Using a fork, make a few holes in each beigli to allow steam to escape. Mix the 2 egg yolks with the vanilla sugar and brush each roll with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the beigli for 20 minutes at high temperature, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes. Check if they are done using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are perfectly baked!

7. Serving: Allow the beigli to cool on a rack, then slice them beautifully. You can serve them plain or with a cup of aromatic tea for an unforgettable experience.

Types of Variants: If you want to experiment, you can replace the poppy seeds with a nut filling or add chocolate for a decadent taste. You can also use various essences instead of rum to customize the flavor.

Nutritional Benefits: Poppy seed beigli is not only delicious but also nutritious. Poppy seeds are an excellent source of calcium, iron, and essential fatty acids, contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Although desserts are often high in calories, each slice of beigli offers a pleasant energy boost and will fill you with joy.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Absolutely! Use 3-4 g of dry yeast, activating it in the same way as fresh yeast.
- How can I keep the beigli fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and for a longer duration, you can freeze them.

This poppy seed beigli dessert is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that will bring you joy and nostalgia. Cook it with love, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the beautiful moments spent together! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 600 g flour 280 g butter 3 eggs 10 g yeast sour cream salt sugar and milk for yeast Filling: 1 1/2 cups water (250 ml water) 400 g sugar 500 g ground poppy seeds 100 g raisins (optional) 2 egg whites zest from 2 lemons 2 vanilla sugar packets 2 vials of rum For brushing: 2 egg yolks 1 packet of vanilla sugar

 Tags:  poppy seed roll poppy seed roll poppy seed cake poppy seed filling