Poppy seed and walnut Baigli

Baigli with poppy seeds and walnuts: A traditional delight

When it comes to desserts that bring a note of tradition and flavor into our homes, baigli with poppy seeds and walnuts is at the top of the preferences. This filled bread is not just a delicacy but also a nostalgic memory for many families. The origins of this sweet are intertwined with history, often served during holidays or moments of joy. Even though each housewife has her own recipe, today I will present a simple and delicious version that will bring a smile to your face.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 3 loaves

Ingredients

*For the dough:*

- 530 g flour (you can also use 550 g, depending on humidity)
- 250 g butter or margarine (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 whole egg
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 150 ml warm milk
- Grated zest of one lemon

*Poppy seed filling (for 2 loaves):*

- 400 g ground poppy seeds
- 200 g sugar
- Lemon zest (from one lemon)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 200 ml milk

*Walnut filling (for 1 loaf):*

- 200 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar
- Lemon zest (from one lemon)
- 120 ml milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk, adding the 2 tablespoons of sugar. It is essential that the milk is warm, not hot, so as not to destroy the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the flour and butter or margarine cut into cubes. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients until you achieve a texture similar to crumbs. Then, add the egg yolk, the whole egg, and the milk-yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. It is important to use all your energy to achieve a beautiful and soft dough.

3. Rising:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 40 minutes. You will notice that the volume of the dough will double.

4. Preparing the fillings:
- *Poppy seed filling:* In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil together with the sugar and lemon zest. When it starts to boil, add the ground poppy seeds and mix well. Let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
- *Walnut filling:* Proceed similarly, boiling the milk with the sugar and lemon zest. Add the ground walnuts and mix for 5 minutes. These aromatic fillings will add an extra flavor to your loaves.

5. Forming the loaves:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangle, then add the desired filling. Roll each rectangle tightly, ensuring that the filling remains well wrapped.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the loaves in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. To prevent sticking and cracking, you can place a strip of parchment paper between them, a trick I warmly recommend, although I forget to do it every time. :D Bake the loaves for 30 minutes or until they turn golden and emit a delicious aroma.

7. Cooling and serving:
Once the loaves are done, let them cool on a rack. You can serve them warm, but also after they have completely cooled, being just as delicious. A wonderful idea is to slice them and serve them with aromatic tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Practical Tips:

- Flour: Make sure to use good quality flour to achieve an elastic dough.
- Ingredient temperature: All ingredients should be at room temperature for better mixing.
- Raisin option: You can add raisins to the poppy or walnut filling for an extra sweetness and texture.
- Storage: The loaves can be kept in food wrap or airtight containers for a few days, but they are best consumed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use dried yeast?
Yes, you can use dried yeast instead of fresh. Use about 7 g of dried yeast for this recipe.

2. How can I make the dough softer?
If the dough turns out too hard, you can add a bit more warm milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

3. How long can I freeze the loaves?
The loaves can be frozen after they have completely cooled. You can keep them in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Benefits:
Baigli with poppy seeds and walnuts is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to its ingredients like walnuts and poppy seeds. It also contains healthy fats that contribute to heart health.

So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe for baigli with poppy seeds and walnuts, a traditional dessert that will bring joy not only to your soul but also to the hearts of your loved ones! Savor each slice and share the joy of cooking with those around you. Bon appétit!