Walnut bread

Nut Roll: A Holiday Delight

The nut roll is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition that brings family and friends together during the most beautiful moments of the holidays. This nut roll recipe combines the teachings passed down from my mother with modern techniques, resulting in a fluffy and aromatic roll that will delight any festive table. Let’s embark together on this culinary journey!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total: Approximately 3 hours
- Number of Servings: 2 rolls

Ingredients:
For the Starter:
- 100 g flour
- 100 ml whole milk (preferably at room temperature)
- 25 g fresh yeast

For the Dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ~300 ml milk (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 whole egg
- 1 heaping teaspoon of salt

For the Filling:
- 600 g ground walnuts
- 200 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 180 g sugar
- 2 teaspoons rum essence

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Starter
Start by preparing the starter, an essential step that will ensure a light and fluffy texture for the roll. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk (not hot!) with the flour and crumbled yeast. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts. I recommend using the oven set to a very low temperature as a heat source. Let the starter sit for 45 minutes.

2. Preparing the Dough
Sift the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the center. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the whole egg, add the sour cream, sugar, honey, and mix well. Heat the milk slightly and add it to the yolk mixture. When the starter has risen, add it to the well in the flour, followed by the yolk mixture and the milk.

Using a spatula or your hands, begin to knead the dough. Add the salt and continue kneading until the dough becomes homogeneous. Finally, add the oil and knead a little more until you achieve an elastic dough that does not stick to your hands. If it is too sticky, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but be careful not to overdo it.

It is important to knead the dough well to develop the gluten. I kneaded for about 30 minutes, and the result was an extremely elastic and easy-to-handle dough. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for an hour, also in the warm oven.

3. Preparing the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Mix the ground walnuts with the sugar and cocoa in a bowl. Heat the milk together with the honey over low heat, stirring continuously until the honey dissolves completely. Gradually pour the milk mixture over the ground walnuts, stirring constantly until you obtain a well-combined mixture. Finally, add the rum essence and mix again.

4. Shaping the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface. Knead it a little to release the air, then divide it into four equal parts. Each piece should be rolled out with a rolling pin and spread with 1/4 of the walnut filling. Roll the dough tightly and braid two pieces together, sealing the ends well.

Prepare two loaf pans, greased with oil or lined with parchment paper. Carefully place the rolls in the pans, making sure they are nicely arranged. Brush them with beaten egg white and let them rise for another hour, until they slightly exceed the edges of the pan.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. When the rolls have risen, place them in the oven. After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 180 degrees and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, until they are nicely browned.

Once done, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove them onto a wire rack. Here comes an important part: be patient! Allow them to cool completely before slicing. The wait will make each slice a true delicacy.

Chef's Tip
For an extra flavor, you can add some citrus peels (lemon or orange) to the walnut filling. Additionally, if you prefer a less sweet roll, you can reduce the sugar in the filling by 50 g.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each slice of nut roll contains approximately 300-350 calories, but it is important to note that walnuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fatty acids. Moderate consumption of walnuts can help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Generally, 10 g of dry yeast replaces 25 g of fresh yeast.

2. How can I make the roll less dry?
Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature and do not overdo the baking time. The roll should be golden brown but not dry.

3. What drinks go well with the roll?
A sweet wine or a fruit tea can perfectly complement the flavor of the roll. Also, a cup of warm milk is always a good choice.

The nut roll is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. With each slice savored, you will feel the warmth and love from the kitchen. Don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones, as joy multiplies when shared! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 100g flour, 100ml whole milk, 25g fresh yeast. For the dough: 1kg flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, ~300ml milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar, 4 egg yolks, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 whole egg, 1 heaping teaspoon of salt. Filling: 600g ground walnuts, 200ml milk, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 180g sugar, 2 teaspoons rum essence.

 Tags:  sweet bread nut sweet dough