Nut and Turkish Delight Cake

Nut Roll with Nuts and Turkish Delight: A Traditional Delicacy

Nut roll with nuts and Turkish delight is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true tradition that brings family and friends together, filling homes with delicious aromas and pleasant memories. Each bite of this soft and fluffy roll, filled with rich ingredients, transports you back to moments of joy and celebration. Let’s embark on this captivating recipe together, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours (in two stages)
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 3 hours
Servings: 12-15 slices

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 170 g sugar
- 150 ml oil
- 600 ml milk (divided)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange

For the filling:
- 1 egg white
- A pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 600 g ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 100 ml milk
- Turkish delight (approximately 200 g, diced)

For brushing the rolls:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Step 1: Preparing the yeast starter

Begin this culinary adventure by preparing the yeast starter. In a small pot, combine 100 ml of warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and the yeast. Mix well and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on top. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will make the dough fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast, oil, and the zest of the lemon and orange. In another container, heat the remaining milk (about 500 ml) along with the rest of the sugar, stirring until dissolved.

Add half of the warm milk to the flour and mix with a spatula. Gradually add the rest of the milk, adjusting the amount of flour and milk according to the consistency of the dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky to your fingers. If necessary, add a little flour or milk to achieve the desired texture.

Once you have the perfect dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Beat the egg white with a pinch of salt until it forms stiff peaks, then gradually add the sugar. Continue beating until you achieve a firm meringue. Fold in the ground walnuts, milk, and cocoa powder, mixing well to combine. Set the filling aside, and for the Turkish delight, cut it into small cubes, preparing for assembly.

Step 4: Shaping the rolls

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. On a lightly oiled work surface, roll out each portion into a rectangle. Spread the first portion with the walnut filling and roll it tightly. Do the same with the second portion, but this time, add the Turkish delight. These rolls will be twisted together, forming a beautiful and elegant loaf.

For the remaining two portions of dough, repeat the process: fill one with walnuts and the other with Turkish delight, then place them in loaf pans lined with parchment paper. Let the rolls rise in the pans for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Baking

In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk. Carefully brush the rolls with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the rolls for 35-40 minutes or until golden and baked through (you can check with a toothpick).

Step 6: Serving

Once the rolls are baked, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them sliced, alongside a cup of warm tea or coffee. This combination will highlight the rich flavors of the filling and turn every meal into a festive occasion.

Helpful Tips

1. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even and well-risen dough.

2. Maintaining moisture: If the dough is too dry, add a little milk; if it is too wet, add more flour. Adjust gradually, being careful not to make a mistake.

3. Filling variations: You can experiment with various types of fillings, such as chocolate, raisins, or even fruit jams. Each variation will add a unique and personal touch to your roll.

4. Storage: The nut roll keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze it, sliced, for later enjoyment.

Nutritional Benefits

This nut roll with nuts and Turkish delight is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, contributing to heart health. Additionally, cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, replace 25 g of fresh yeast with 8 g of dry yeast.

2. Is it possible to make the roll without sugar?
You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners, but the taste and texture may vary.

3. How can I tell if the roll is baked?
You can check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the roll is done.

The nut roll with nuts and Turkish delight is undoubtedly a recipe worth trying. It is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will impress any guest. Enjoy and happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 170 g sugar, 150 ml oil, 600 ml milk, 25 g fresh yeast, grated lemon and orange peel, 1 egg white, 5 tbsp sugar, 600 g ground walnuts, 1 tbsp cocoa, 100 ml sour milk, 1 yolk + 2 tbsp milk