Poppy seed cake with plum jam

Poppy Seed Bread with Plum Jam

Few dishes evoke traditions and memories with such intensity as poppy seed bread. This recipe for poppy seed bread with plum jam is not just a dessert; it is a true story, a culinary ritual that connects us to our loved ones. With enticing aromas and a fluffy texture, poppy seed bread becomes the star of any festive meal or a quiet afternoon. Let’s discover together how we can prepare a special poppy seed bread, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g of good quality flour (choose a flour with a higher protein content for a more elastic dough)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for added richness)
- 300 ml of lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)

For the filling:
- 200 g of poppy seeds (choose fresh poppy seeds for their intense flavor)
- 100 g of sugar (or to taste)
- 1 egg white (for a fluffier mixture)
- Plum jam (to preference, depending on how sweet you want it)

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

Steps to prepare:

1. Prepare the yeast: In a small glass, dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 3 tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Mix and let it rise for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as it ensures optimal fermentation of the dough.

2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt and the remaining sugar. It is important to mix these ingredients well so that the salt does not come into direct contact with the yeast, as this would inhibit fermentation.

3. Kneading the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture, the egg, and the remaining milk. Begin kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This step can take between 10 and 15 minutes. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it to save time and energy.

4. First rising: After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 40 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: In the meantime, let’s prepare the filling. Divide the poppy seeds into two bowls. In the first bowl, mix 100 g of poppy seeds with the beaten egg white and a little sugar until you get a smooth paste. In the second bowl, mix the remaining poppy seeds with the plum jam. These two fillings will add a unique flavor and texture to our bread.

6. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece of dough on a floured surface to form two thin sheets. On the first sheet, spread the poppy seed mixture evenly, then roll it tightly. On the second sheet, spread the plum jam and roll it up the same way.

7. Braiding the rolls: Here comes the fun part! Take the two rolls and carefully braid them together. This will not only look spectacular but will also allow the fillings to combine during baking.

8. Placing in the pan: Grease a baking pan with butter and line it with flour to prevent sticking. Place the braided bread in the pan, leaving the center free to insert a cup (this trick will help the bread maintain its shape). Cover and let it rise for another 20 minutes.

9. Final brushing: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk. Use this mixture to brush the surface of the bread, giving it a golden and appetizing crust.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the bread for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown, and when you gently tap the surface, it sounds hollow. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to avoid interrupting the baking process.

11. Cooling and serving: Once the bread is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and slice with a sharp knife.

Serving suggestions: This delicious bread pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of fresh milk. You can also enjoy it alongside vanilla ice cream or with a chocolate sauce for a more decadent dessert.

Useful tips:
- If you want to save time, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and leave it in the fridge. The next day, let it come to room temperature before using it.
- Experiment with fillings: you can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate to add a personal touch.
- The bread keeps well at room temperature, covered with a towel or in an airtight container, for a few days.

Nutritional benefits: Poppy seed bread is not only delicious but also nutritious. Poppy seeds are an excellent source of healthy fatty acids, proteins, and minerals such as calcium and iron. Combined with whole flour, this dessert becomes a healthier choice than other processed sweets.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of the fresh yeast cube. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

- How long does the bread last? The bread keeps well at room temperature, under proper conditions, for 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

- How can I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands? If the dough becomes too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as a dough that is too dry will not be fluffy.

So, gather your ingredients, bring your family and friends together, and let yourself be inspired by the magic of cooking. Poppy seed bread with plum jam is more than just a dessert; it is an unforgettable experience, perfect for creating lasting memories around the table!