Jam, poppy seeds, and walnut cake

Jam, jir, and walnut cake: a rustic delicacy

I propose we discover together a traditional recipe, full of flavor and memories, that brings joy in every bite. The jam, jir, and walnut cake is a simple dessert, but with a unique character, thanks to the special ingredient - jir, a fruit often used in animal feed, but which can also be a delicacy for us humans. The origins of this cake are deeply rooted in culinary tradition, where each ingredient has its role and story to tell.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 16

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 4 eggs (3 yolks and 1 whole egg)
- 250 g margarine or butter (preferably of good quality for better taste)
- 250 g sugar
- 600 g flour
- 1 baking powder
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra aroma)

For the filling:
- 1 jar of plum jam (you can use other jams, but plum provides a perfect contrast)
- 3 egg whites (to create a fluffy filling)
- 100 g roasted and crushed walnuts
- Beech fruit (jir), optional but recommended for a unique taste
- 4 tablespoons sugar (to sweeten the filling)
- Zest of one lemon (again, a touch of aroma)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by taking the ingredients out of the fridge to reach room temperature. This ensures better homogenization of the dough. Wash the jir well and, if you wish, peel it, but you can also leave it with the skin for a more interesting texture.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the 3 yolks with the melted margarine or butter (but not hot) and the sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed to achieve a creamy mixture. Add the baking powder and lemon zest, then gradually incorporate the flour until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Set aside about 1/3 of the dough to use later.

3. Forming the base: Roll out the remaining dough in a baking tray lined with baking paper, ensuring that the layer is even. Use your fingers to shape it; be careful not to break it.

4. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the 4 tablespoons of sugar and continue mixing until a firm meringue forms. Add the plum jam, crushed walnuts, and, if desired, the jir. Gently fold with a spatula to avoid destroying the air in the meringue.

5. Assembling the cake: Pour the obtained filling over the dough base in the tray, spreading it evenly. Grate the reserved dough on top of the cake using a large-holed grater. This layer will add a crunchy texture, and the jir will create a pleasant contrast.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 35 minutes, or until it turns golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

7. Finalizing: Once the cake has cooled, dust it with sugar. Cut it into squares and serve it alongside a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea. This rustic cake pairs perfectly with a warm drink, making it ideal for a moment of relaxation.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for better homogenization of the dough.
- You can experiment with various jams: apricot, raspberry, or even sour cherry, depending on your preferences.
- If you can't find jir, you can replace it with hazelnuts or pistachios for another interesting taste.
- The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains walnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants. Jir, on the other hand, is rich in fiber and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can the cake be frozen? Yes, you can freeze it, but it's recommended to cut it into portions before doing so.
2. Can I use sugar-free jams? Absolutely! Just ensure that the filling remains thick enough.
3. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use unsweetened jams.

In the end, the jam, jir, and walnut cake is not just a dessert, but an invitation to memories and shared stories. I encourage you to prepare it and recall the moments spent in nature, gathering these special fruits. Every bite will be a joy, so don't hesitate to serve it with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 4 eggs (3 yolks and 1 whole egg) 250 g margarine/butter 250 g sugar 600 g flour 1 baking powder grated lemon peel Filling: 1 jar of plum jam 3 egg whites 100 g roasted and crushed walnuts beech fruits (jir) optional 4 tablespoons sugar grated lemon peel

 Tags:  jam cake chickpeas and nuts