Poppy Seed Cake

Poppy Seed Pastries - A Traditional Delight from the Soul of Sundays

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert recipe that will delight your family and friends, you have come to the right place. Poppy seed pastries are a perfect choice for a lazy Sunday afternoon when the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the house. This dessert brings sweet childhood memories and can be personalized with various fillings, such as walnuts, to satisfy all tastes.

The history of the pastry dates back centuries, symbolizing hospitality and joy. Over time, each housewife has contributed her own touch to the recipe, and today, every family has its own version, rich in traditions.

Ingredients:

*For the starter:*
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons warm milk
- 2 tablespoons flour

*For the dough:*
- 550 g flour
- 250 g butter (or margarine) at room temperature
- 2 egg yolks
- 100 g sour cream (a great choice is Napolact sour cream)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 75 g sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

*For the filling:*
- 200 g poppy seeds
- 75 ml milk
- 180 g sugar
- 2 egg whites + 2 tablespoons sugar (for meringue)

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk

Preparation:

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, add the yeast along with one tablespoon of sugar. Mix well until the yeast becomes liquefied. Then, add the warm milk and the two tablespoons of flour, mixing until you obtain a composition similar to thick sour cream. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 10-15 minutes in a warm place until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the pinch of salt and the two tablespoons of sugar. Add the risen starter, sour cream, and start mixing. Then incorporate the egg yolks and soft butter, kneading the dough well until you obtain a homogeneous and non-sticky composition. Cover with a towel and let it rise until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour.

3. Preparing the filling: In a small pot, boil the sugar together with the milk until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the poppy seeds and let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, fold in the beaten egg whites with the two tablespoons of sugar, mixing gently.

4. Forming the pastries: Divide the risen dough into four equal parts. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out each part into a thin rectangular sheet. Evenly distribute 1/4 of the poppy seed filling on each sheet, roll tightly, and seal the ends well. Place the pastries in a greased aluminum foil to help them rise vertically.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing the pastries in the oven, brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and milk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the pastries on low heat, allowing them to continue rising, then increase the temperature to medium and let them brown nicely, about 40-50 minutes. Be careful that, depending on the filling, they do not crack.

6. Cooling and serving: After baking, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool in the pan. You can keep them well for a few days in aluminum foil or wrapped in paper and then in plastic bags.

Chef's tip: If you want to try a different version, fill the pastries with ground walnuts instead of poppy seeds. You can also add a bit of cinnamon for a more aromatic taste. Also, the poppy seeds can be ground before adding them to the filling for a finer texture.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity (about 7 g of dry yeast).
2. What should I do if the dough does not rise? Make sure the yeast is active. If you are using fresh yeast, check the expiration date.
3. Can the pastries be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pastries after they have completely cooled. You can keep them in special freezer bags.

Nutritional benefits: Poppy seed pastries are a good source of protein, healthy fats from butter, and fiber. Poppy seeds, in particular, are rich in calcium, minerals, and antioxidants, also having a relaxing effect on the nervous system.

Pair the pastries with a cup of warm milk or aromatic coffee for a perfect breakfast or delicious snack. This dessert is ideal to be enjoyed with loved ones and will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces.

So, get ready to enjoy a special moment with your loved ones, with these poppy seed pastries that are sure to become favorites in your home!