Walnut roll

Walnut Baigli - The Aromatic Delight of Sweet Bread

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 2 baigli

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that combines tradition with flavor, baigli is the perfect choice. This sweet bread filled with walnuts is not just a simple pastry, but a true culinary experience, rich in the flavors of a decadent filling and a tender dough. Its history is steeped in time, symbolizing hospitality and joy across various cultures. Whether enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or as a dessert at festive meals, walnut baigli will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 10 g dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml lukewarm milk (not hot)
- 200 g butter (82% fat), soft but not melted
- 1 tablespoon lard (optional, for a flakier dough)
- Zest of one lemon and/or orange
- A pinch of salt

For the walnut filling:
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 125 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar (or more, to taste)
- Rum essence (to taste)

Preparing the Walnut Filling

1. Boiling the ingredients: In a saucepan, bring the milk, butter, and sugar to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Adding the walnuts: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the ground walnuts. Continue stirring over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth. If it's too thin, you can add a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs. If it's too thick, thin it out with a little milk.
3. Finishing the filling: Remove the saucepan from heat, add the rum essence, and let the filling cool.

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a food processor or a bowl, add the ingredients in the following order: egg, lukewarm milk, soft butter, sugar, salt, lemon/orange zest, flour, and yeast. This order will help activate the yeast and contribute to the dough rising.
2. Kneading: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If using a bread machine, set it to the kneading program.
3. Resting the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a flaky dough.

Assembling the Baigli

1. Dividing the dough: After the dough has rested, remove it and divide it into two equal parts.
2. Rolling out the sheets: On a surface dusted with a little flour or oil, roll each part of the dough into a thin sheet, about 0.5 cm thick.
3. Adding the filling: Divide the walnut filling in two and spread it evenly over each sheet of dough. Make sure to reach the edges to avoid leaving any bare spots.
4. Rolling: Roll tightly from one end to create an even log. Use your hands to gently press the roll to ensure the filling doesn't spill out during baking.

Baking

1. Preparing the baking tray: Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This step will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Brushing and baking: Beat the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush each roll well. This will give them a golden color and an appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the baigli for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and passing the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean).

Serving and Variations

Allow the baigli to cool slightly before slicing. It is delicious both warm and cold, and can be served alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can add a drizzle of sugar glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a more festive appearance.

Possible variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate, poppy seeds, or for an exotic touch, raisins and candied fruits. You can also adjust the sugar amount in the filling according to your taste.

Practical Tips

- How to choose walnuts: Use fresh, high-quality walnuts for the best flavor. You can even lightly toast them before grinding for an intensified taste.
- Storage: Baigli keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can freeze it and thaw later without losing its flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I make the dough a day in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before using.
- What should I do if the filling is too sweet? You can adjust the sweetness by adding more ground walnuts or a bit of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Nutritional Benefits

Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants, providing benefits for heart and brain health. By enjoying walnut baigli, you indulge in a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers nutritional value.

In conclusion, walnut baigli is not just a dessert, but a flavorful and traditional experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will have you coming back to it year after year. Savor each slice and enjoy its unmistakable aroma!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1/2 kg flour 1 egg + 1 yolk 10 g dry yeast 2 tablespoons sugar 100 ml lukewarm milk, not hot + 1 tablespoon milk 200 g soft butter 82% fat, but not melted + 1 tablespoon lard (if you have it, this makes the dough even more tender) grated lemon or orange peel 1 pinch of salt For the nut cream: 200 g ground walnuts 125 ml milk 1 teaspoon butter 4-5 tablespoons sugar or more, to taste rum essence

 Tags:  walnut roll dough