Baigli - walnut roll

Baigli with Walnut - A Holiday Delicacy

Baigli with walnut is a traditional recipe that has passed through generations, bringing joy and flavor to festive days. This delicacy, with a tender dough and creamy walnut filling, is perfect for savoring alongside loved ones. I will show you step by step how to prepare this delicious baigli, providing you with useful tips and information about ingredients, cooking techniques, and possible variations.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 2 baigli

Ingredients

To prepare two baigli with walnut, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 whole eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- Flour (approximately 450 g, as needed)
- 2 beaten egg whites
- Ground walnuts (approximately 300 g, adjustable according to preference)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar for the filling
- A little rum essence

Preparation Steps

1. Activating the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with warm milk and one tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to achieve a well-risen and fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, add the flour (starting with a smaller amount, approximately 350 g), the eggs, the remaining sugar, the butter, and the salt. Once the yeast has activated, incorporate it into the flour mixture. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the remaining flour until you obtain a soft dough that pulls away from your hands.

3. Dough Rising

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the Filling

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the 2-3 tablespoons of sugar and the rum essence. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the walnut mixture, achieving a creamy consistency.

5. Rolling Out the Sheets

After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a rectangular sheet, making sure to leave a border of about an inch that will remain thicker. This trick helps prevent the baigli from cracking during baking.

6. Rolling the Baigli

Evenly spread the walnut mixture over each sheet. Carefully roll the dough from the thinner edge to the thicker one, forming a log. Ensure the log is tightly rolled but not too tight to allow for expansion during baking.

7. Preparing for Baking

Place the rolls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each baigli with a mixture of egg yolk and a little honey to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

8. Baking

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the baigli for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until they are golden and well-baked. A protective tray under the baigli will help avoid burning.

9. Cooling and Serving

Remove the baigli from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are very tender and keep well in an airtight container.

Practical Tips

- Key Ingredient: Use freshly ground walnuts for a more intense flavor. You can also add a dash of cocoa to the filling for a surprising note.
- Vegan Option: You can replace the butter with margarine and the eggs with a mixture of flax seeds and water (1 tablespoon of flax seeds + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).
- Serving: This baigli is delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

Baigli with walnut is rich in protein, thanks to the eggs and walnuts, providing an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Although it is a dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can it be frozen? Yes, the baigli can be frozen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
- Can I use other fillings? Absolutely! You can try fillings with cocoa, poppy seeds, or dried fruits for a different version.
- Why does the baigli crack while baking? A crack in the baigli can occur due to overly wet filling or overly tight dough. Make sure to follow the rolling and stretching steps correctly.

Baigli with walnut is more than just a recipe; it is a cooking experience that will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your cooking clothes, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the aromas of this traditional dessert!

 Ingredients: We need (for 2 cakes) the following: 2 whole eggs, 7 tablespoons of sugar, 125 grams of butter, 25 grams of yeast, half a cup of warm milk, a pinch of salt, enough flour (around 450 grams), 2 beaten egg whites for the mixture with ground walnuts, enough egg white to obtain a thick cream, 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, a little rum essence.