Nut roll

Nut Roll - A Traditional Delicacy

The nut roll is one of those dishes that connects us to traditions, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every slice. It is a dessert that is not only delicious but also full of emotional significance, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. This soft and aromatic nut roll can become the star of your table, and I will guide you step by step to prepare it perfectly. Get ready to enjoy an explosion of flavors and textures!

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- a pinch of salt
- 7 g dry yeast (1 packet)
- 180 ml milk
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- grated zest of one lemon
- 1 vanilla essence
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg

*For the filling:*
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 2 egg whites
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 tablespoon rum

*For brushing on top:*
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons milk

Preparation time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 2 hours
- Baking time: 40-45 minutes
- Total time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 nut roll

Step by step:

1. Prepare the dough: In a pot, add the milk, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and let the mixture simmer until the sugar completely dissolves. Once it starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat and add the grated lemon zest. Let it cool slightly.

2. Sifting the ingredients: In a plastic bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. By doing this step, you will avoid lumps in the dough. Add the dry yeast, cooled milk (make sure it is not hot, otherwise it will kill the yeast), vanilla essence, melted and cooled butter, the 3 egg yolks, and the whole egg.

3. Kneading the dough: Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until you get an elastic dough. This step is essential – knead well to activate the gluten in the flour, which will give the nut roll that fluffy texture.

4. Let the dough rise: Grease the dough with oil and place it in the plastic bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, we take care of the filling. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, mixing until it completely dissolves. Carefully fold in the ground walnuts, cocoa, and rum, mixing with a spoon in a folding motion to keep the meringue airy.

6. Shaping the nut roll: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface and divide it into two equal parts. Flatten each part with your hands and place the filling on each piece. Roll each part and then braid them together to form a ribbon. Place the nut roll in a loaf pan (31*16 cm) lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rise: Let the nut roll rise in the pan for another hour, covered with a towel. During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

8. Egg wash: Beat the egg yolk with the 3 tablespoons of milk and brush the nut roll with this mixture. This will give it a golden and shiny crust.

9. Baking: Place the nut roll in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. If you notice it browning too much, cover it with parchment paper after the first 20 minutes.

10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the nut roll cool in the pan, covered with a clean towel. Then you can slice and serve it. It is perfect alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Notes and practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a more uniform dough.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace some of the walnuts with ground hazelnuts or almonds.
- The nut roll can be stored in an airtight container, thus keeping its freshness for a few days.
- The calories for a slice of nut roll are approximately 250, but this value may vary depending on the thickness of the slices.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of flour? It is recommended to use bread flour or white flour with a higher gluten content to achieve a fluffy texture.
2. How can I tell if the nut roll is well-baked? Do the toothpick test – if it comes out clean, the nut roll is done.
3. Can I freeze the nut roll? Yes, you can freeze it after it has completely cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer.

The nut roll is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether it's for the holidays or just a family Sunday, it will bring a smile to everyone's face. So put on your chef's hat and let yourself be carried away by the aromas of this wonderful dessert!