Nut bread

Nut Roll: A Traditional Delicacy

The nut roll is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true emblem of culinary traditions and a symbol of celebrations. It is a dish that brings the family together at the table, evoking pleasant memories and moments of joy. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a fluffy nut roll with a rich walnut filling that will surely impress on any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large rolls

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg all-purpose flour (preferably type 650, for a fine texture)
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml milk
- 350 g sugar
- 8 egg yolks
- 150 g butter
- A pinch of salt
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 50 g raisins
- Oil for kneading

Ingredients for the filling:
- 400 g ground walnuts
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 150-200 ml milk
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 3-4 egg whites beaten to stiff peaks

Step by step preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step helps aerate the flour, ensuring that the roll will be fluffy and light.

In a saucepan, bring 250 ml of milk with 200 g of sugar to a boil, then let it cool. Add the raisins, vanilla, and lemon zest to allow the flavors to combine.

In another saucepan, prepare the starter: heat the remaining milk (about 250 ml), add the yeast and 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

Melt the butter until it becomes liquid. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the salt and remaining sugar until they form a light cream.

When the starter has risen, make a well in the center of the flour, add the starter, egg yolks, warm milk, and melted butter. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding a little oil to help it become more pliable.

Let the dough rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, covered with a damp towel.

2. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, you can prepare the walnut filling. In a saucepan, combine the ground walnuts, milk, sugar, cocoa, and flavors. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes homogeneous. After it cools, add the breadcrumbs and the beaten egg whites, mixing gently to keep the airy consistency.

3. Shaping the rolls
When the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Grease the work surface with a little oil and roll each piece into a rectangular shape. Spread the walnut filling over each sheet and carefully roll them up. Place the rolls in loaf pans lined with parchment paper.

Let the rolls rise for another 15 minutes, then brush them with beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a crispy appearance.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the rolls for 40-45 minutes, or until they turn golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation to allow for even fermentation of the dough.
- You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as ground chocolate or candied fruits, to experiment with flavors.
- If you prefer a sweeter roll, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling.
- The roll stays fresh for a few days, but it is also delicious toasted in butter, served with a cup of coffee or tea.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A medium roll has approximately 350-400 calories per serving. It provides carbohydrates for energy, protein from eggs and walnuts, and healthy fats from butter and nuts. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, benefiting heart health.

Delicious combinations
The nut roll pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cup of aromatic tea. It can also be served alongside warm chocolate sauce or a vanilla dip to enhance the flavors.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you need to adjust the amount: use about 17 g of dry yeast.

2. How can I tell when the rolls are well baked?
- When they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom, they are done. Another test is to insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it is perfect.

3. What else can I add to the filling?
- You can experiment with cinnamon, additional cocoa, or even candied fruits to add a personal touch.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to wish you good cooking! Your nut roll will surely be a success and will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to share this recipe with others so that the tradition continues!

 Ingredients: 1kg flour, 50g fresh yeast, 500ml milk, 350g sugar, 8 egg yolks, 150g butter, a pinch of salt, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 1 teaspoon of rum essence, zest of 2 lemons, 50g raisins, oil for kneading. For the filling: 400g ground walnuts, 5-6 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 150-200ml milk, 2 teaspoons of rum essence, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs, 3-4 egg whites beaten stiff.