Lenten sweet bread with poppy seeds

Lenten Poppy Seed Cake - A Fragrant Delight

The Lenten poppy seed cake is a dessert that not only brings a touch of tradition to our tables but also an unforgettable taste, filled with the flavors of citrus and poppy seeds. This recipe is perfect for celebrating special moments, but also for indulging on ordinary days. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious cake, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 4 hours
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 500 ml warm water
- 150 g sugar
- 150 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice from 2 lemons
- Juice from 1 orange
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 orange
- 65 g fresh yeast

For the filling:
- 200 g poppy seeds
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 150 ml rum
- Approximately 100 ml warm water (enough to make a thick paste)

For decoration:
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top of the cakes

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the starter: Start by making the starter. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of flour with 65 g of yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add a glass of warm water and mix the ingredients well. Let the starter rest for 15-20 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is when the yeast begins to activate.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the remaining flour (about 1 kg), warm water (500 ml), sugar (150 g), oil (150 ml), salt (1 teaspoon), lemon and orange juice, as well as the lemon and orange zest. Mix all the ingredients well with a spatula, then add the activated starter and half of the rum.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. This is when you can add a few drops of oil to your hands to prevent sticking. Once the dough is well kneaded, place it in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, add the poppy seeds (200 g) along with the sugar (100 g) and rum (150 ml). Gradually add warm water, mixing until you obtain a thick paste, similar to sour cream. Let the filling swell and the flavors blend.

5. Shaping the cakes: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Evenly spread the poppy seed filling over the surface, then roll the dough tightly to form a log.

6. Rising: Place the cakes in high trays lined with baking paper or greased with oil. Let them rise for another 15 minutes, lightly covering them with a towel.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C (thermostat 6). Before placing the cakes in the oven, sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a caramelized crust. Bake the cakes for 45-50 minutes or until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can cover the trays with aluminum foil.

8. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, let them cool in the trays for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. This is the perfect time to enjoy the enticing aroma that will fill the entire house!

Practical tips:
- Use warm water to activate the yeast. Avoid hot water, as it can kill the yeast.
- If you want an even more aromatic cake, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the dough.
- It is important to let the dough rise in a warm place without drafts to achieve a fluffy cake.
- You can also experiment with fillings by adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate for a more decadent version.

Nutritional benefits:
The Lenten poppy seed cake is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid animal products. Poppy seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, and citrus fruits provide a boost of vitamin C and fiber. It is a dessert that, besides its delight, can also bring health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Usually, 1 packet (7 g) of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast.

2. How long can I keep the cake?
The cake can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. What can I do with leftover cake?
You can make cake fritters, meaning slices of cake fried in a pan with a little oil or butter, served with jam or honey.

Serving suggestions:
The Lenten poppy seed cake pairs perfectly with a cup of warm tea or a glass of fruit compote. You can add a spoonful of apricot or raspberry jam on the plate for a pleasant contrast of flavors.

In conclusion, the Lenten poppy seed cake is a wonderful dessert, full of tradition and love, that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and add a personal touch to your recipe. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will achieve a cake that will impress anyone! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of flour, 500 ml of water, 150 g of sugar, 150 ml of oil, 2 lemons, 1 orange, 1 small bottle of rum, 1 teaspoon of salt, 65 g of yeast, 200 g of poppy seeds, 100 g of powdered sugar