Snails with walnuts

Nut Rolls – An Irresistible Delicacy

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Active time: 35 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 rolls

Welcome to the delicious world of sweet breads! Today, I will guide you step by step in creating delicious nut rolls, a dessert that will captivate you with its enticing aroma and fluffy texture. These rolls are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal companion for relaxation moments.

A Brief History

Nut rolls have long been a symbol of joy and celebration, often prepared during family gatherings or winter holidays. This sweet dessert, with deep roots in culinary traditions, combines the flavor of nuts with the sweetness of sugar, offering a unique culinary experience. Perhaps you also have fond memories of grandparents making this delicacy, and its aroma will take you on a nostalgic journey.

Ingredients

- For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- Zest of one lemon
- 50 g melted margarine (or butter)
- 250 ml warm milk
- 100 g sugar

- For the filling:
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar

- For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 100 ml syrup made from water and sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

# Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast along with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and 50 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and the lemon zest. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, the remaining warm milk, and melted margarine.

3. Kneading the dough: Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Then, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If necessary, you can add a little more flour.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes or until it doubles in volume. This is a crucial step that will determine the final texture of the rolls.

# Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. Mixing the walnuts and sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts with the sugar. This mixture will add a rich flavor to your rolls.

# Step 3: Shaping the Rolls

1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick.

2. Adding the filling: Evenly sprinkle the walnut and sugar mixture over the dough, ensuring that you cover the entire surface.

3. Rolling the dough: Start rolling the dough tightly from one of the long edges. Make sure the roll is tightly sealed to keep the filling inside.

4. Cutting the slices: Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into slices about 2 cm thick. Place the slices in a greased baking tray with a little melted margarine or oil, leaving some space between them to allow for rising.

# Step 4: Baking the Rolls

1. Final rising: Cover the tray with a towel and let the rolls rise for 15 minutes.

2. Brushing with egg: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each roll with a pastry brush. This step will give a beautiful golden color during baking.

3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy. You can check them with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, they are ready.

# Step 5: Syrup (Optional)

1. Preparing the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 100 ml of water with 100 g of sugar and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Brushing the rolls: After you take the rolls out of the oven, brush them with the warm syrup using a pastry brush. This will add an extra note of sweetness and moisture.

3. Serving: Let them absorb the syrup for a few minutes, then you can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. You can serve them with a spoonful of sour cream or a scoop of ice cream, which will enhance the tasting experience!

Practical Tips

- For a richer dough: You can replace margarine with butter for a more intense flavor.
- Additional flavoring: Add a splash of vanilla or rum extract to the dough for a more complex taste.
- Nut-free version: If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can use cocoa or ground chocolate as a filling.

Nutritional Benefits

These nut rolls are not only delicious but also nutritious. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to heart health. Flour, on the other hand, provides essential carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with about 3 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

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

3. Can I adapt the recipe for vegan diets?
- Yes, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and margarine with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to start cooking! Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and share the rolls with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 10 g yeast, 2 eggs, zest of one lemon, 50 g butter, 250 ml warm milk, 100 g sugar, 200 g ground walnuts + 100 g sugar, 1 egg for brushing, 100 ml syrup made from water and sugar.