Nut Roll

Nut Roll: A Traditional Delicacy for Special Moments

Nut rolls have a long history, often prepared for holidays or family gatherings. This recipe not only brings an unmistakable taste but also an aroma that will delight all your loved ones. With a fluffy dough and a delicious nut filling, nut rolls are a perfect choice to add warmth to any festive meal. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 2 nut rolls

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 5 eggs
- 1 kg of flour
- 300 ml of lukewarm milk
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 250 g of sugar
- 200 ml of oil (or melted butter)
- 100 ml of lukewarm water (for starter)

For the nut cream:

- 5 heaping tablespoons of sugar
- 5 heaping tablespoons of ground nuts
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Grated orange or lemon peel (optional)
- Raisins (optional)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Starter:
Start by preparing the starter. Crumble the yeast into a small bowl and mix it with 100 ml of lukewarm water, a teaspoon of sugar, and a tablespoon of flour. This paste will be left to rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. It is essential to use lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
After the starter has risen, in a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients: sugar, oil, flour (sifted), eggs (one at a time, mixing well after each), salt, and lukewarm milk. Knead the dough until it separates from your hands. This is a perfect moment to use all your energy and love for cooking!

3. Letting the Dough Rise:
After obtaining a homogeneous dough, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is a crucial step, and patience will pay off!

4. Preparing the Nut Cream:
While the dough is rising, prepare the nut cream. Mix the sugar, ground nuts, and cocoa. If you want a creamier consistency, you can add two tablespoons of milk. For an extra flavor, feel free to add grated orange or lemon peel, as well as raisins if you like.

5. Dividing the Dough:
Sprinkle flour on the work surface and divide the dough into two smaller parts. Each part will be divided again into two, resulting in four pieces of dough. Roll out the first two pieces carefully so they can be easily handled.

6. Filling and Braiding:
Fill each rolled dough with the prepared nut cream and roll it up. Then, braid the two rolls to create a beautiful nut roll. Repeat this process with the other two pieces of dough.

7. Placing in Trays:
Place the nut rolls in trays and let them rise for another 15 minutes. This step will ensure a fluffy texture.

8. Brushing and Baking:
Before placing them in the oven, brush them with a beaten egg yolk for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the nut rolls in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

9. Cooling and Serving:
After baking, let them cool slightly before removing them from the trays. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a fragrant tea or a glass of milk.

Practical Tips:

- To achieve a fluffy nut roll, ensure that the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can use vanilla essence in the nut cream.
- Nut rolls can be stored in plastic wrap or an airtight container to stay soft and aromatic for a longer time.
- You can experiment with various fillings: chocolate, jam, or dried fruits, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Information:
These nut rolls are a good source of protein, thanks to the eggs and nuts, and provide complex carbohydrates from the flour, offering long-lasting energy. Of course, it's best to consume in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Nut rolls are not just a recipe but an unforgettable experience that will bring smiles and beautiful memories. Enjoy your meal!