Poppy Seed Roll - Baigli

Poppy Seed Roll - Baigli: A Delicious Delicacy

About Poppy Seed Roll
The poppy seed roll, also known as baigli, is a traditional dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia with every bite. This recipe is a combination of fluffy dough, similar to brioche, filled with aromatic poppy seeds that will delight anyone's taste buds. Although it may seem heavy at first taste, when prepared correctly, baigli becomes a true pleasure. I invite you to discover how to prepare this delicacy at home, turning it into a dessert loved by the whole family.

Preparation Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 550 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 70 g raw sugar (or to taste)
- 100 g sour cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 7 g dry yeast

For the filling:
- 200 g poppy seeds
- 70 ml milk
- 150 g sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon of milk (for brushing)

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the dough. Use a dough mixer to simplify the process. Place warm milk, soft butter, sugar, egg yolks, and sour cream in the mixing bowl. These ingredients will form the delicious base of the roll.

2. Adding Flour and Yeast
Add the flour and finally the dry yeast. It is important to add the yeast last to prevent premature fermentation. Let the machine knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous.

3. Letting the Dough Rise
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours. This will allow the dough to grow and become fluffy.

4. Preparing the Poppy Seed Filling
In a saucepan, add the milk and sugar, then place it over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the poppy seeds and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. Once the filling is ready, set it aside to cool.

5. Beating the Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, without adding sugar. This airy texture will give the poppy seed filling a more pleasant consistency. Once the poppy mixture has cooled, gently fold in the beaten egg whites.

6. Forming the Rolls
Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Take each piece of dough, roll it out into a rectangular sheet, and add a few tablespoons of the poppy seed filling. Carefully roll the dough, making sure to seal the ends to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

7. Placing in the Tray
Place each roll in the prepared tray, preferably a narrow one with high sides, to help them rise more vertically.

8. Brushing with Egg Yolk
Beat one egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush each roll with this mixture. This step will add a beautiful color and an appetizing shine.

9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the tray with the rolls inside. Let them bake for 35-40 minutes or until they turn golden and are well baked.

10. Cooling and Serving
After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a rack. Once completely cooled, slice them and serve with a glass of fresh milk. This combination is perfect for a delicious breakfast or a savory dessert.

Practical Tips
- Flour: It is ideal to use type 650 flour, which will provide a better texture to the dough.
- Poppy Seeds: Make sure the poppy seeds are freshly ground to achieve maximum flavor. If you wish, you can replace them with ground nuts or a combination of both.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling according to your preferences. Personally, I used a smaller amount because we prefer less sweet desserts, but feel free to experiment.
- Serving: The poppy seed roll pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, giving you a moment of indulgence.

Nutrition
This roll is rich in carbohydrates from flour and sugar, but it also provides nutritional benefits thanks to the poppy seeds, which are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron. A slice of baigli can contain approximately 200-250 calories, so it is best enjoyed in moderation.

Variations
If you want to experiment, try adding some ingredients to the filling, such as:
- Dried fruits (raisins or dried apricots) for a sweet-sour note.
- Cinnamon or vanilla for a more aromatic flavor.
- Finely chopped chocolate for a decadent version.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace dry yeast with fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast; generally, 21 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to 7 g of dry yeast.

2. How can I store the poppy seed roll?
Keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

3. Is it necessary to brush the rolls before baking?
Yes, brushing with egg yolk will give the rolls a golden crust and a more appetizing appearance.

In conclusion, the poppy seed roll is a dessert worth trying, especially as it can be customized according to preferences. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 550g flour, 200ml milk, 200g butter, 70g raw sugar, 100g sour cream, 2 egg yolks, 7g dry yeast. For the filling: 200g poppy seeds, 70ml milk, 150g sugar, 2 egg whites, 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk for brushing.

 Tags:  baigli poppy roll