Poppy seed pie

Poppy Seed Pie with Apricot Jam - A Flavorful Delicacy

Who doesn't love a warm pie with a rich and aromatic filling? Today's recipe is for poppy seed pie with apricot jam, a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will delight any sweet tooth. This pie is not just a dessert, but an experience in itself. It's perfect for serving on a special occasion or simply to enjoy a moment of indulgence at home. Let's embark together on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total: Almost 3 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1500 g flour
- 18 g fresh yeast
- 800 ml milk
- 250 ml palm oil (or vegetable oil)
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt

For the filling:
- 200 ml milk
- 350 g poppy seeds
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 50 g apricot jam
- 1 vanilla pod

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- a little milk

The History of Poppy Seed Pie

Poppy seed pie is a dessert that blends tradition with innovation. Poppy seeds have been used since ancient times in various cultures to add not only flavor but also an attractive visual aspect. The apricot jam perfectly complements the filling, adding a subtle sweetness that splendidly contrasts with the intense flavor of the poppy seeds. This recipe is a reinterpretation of traditional pies, easily adaptable to satisfy everyone's tastes.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the yeast:
In a bowl, combine 800 ml of lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast), 18 g of fresh yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, and 3-4 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let it sit for 15 minutes until it starts to bubble. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to pamper your pie.

2. Preparing the dough:
In another large bowl, add the remaining flour (about 1500 g), egg yolks, salt, and the risen yeast mixture. Add the palm oil and mix everything until a dough forms.

3. Kneading:
Now comes the most important part! Knead the dough for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which will give the pie a fluffy texture. If you have a mixer with dough hooks, you can use it, but manual kneading is always more satisfying.

4. Rising:
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to relax or prepare the filling.

5. Preparing the filling:
In a saucepan, put 200 ml of milk and the vanilla pod (split lengthwise) over medium heat. Wait for it to reach boiling point, then add the poppy seeds and 100 g of sugar. Mix well and let it boil for 5-7 minutes. Add the apricot jam and mix again until you obtain a homogeneous filling.

6. Assembling the pie:
On a floured surface, roll out a sheet of dough measuring 75 x 33 cm. Evenly spread half of the poppy seed filling over the dough.

7. Forming the roll:
Roll the dough with the filling to form a roll. Then twist the roll to form a large snail shape. Place it in a round baking dish with a diameter of 25 cm, brush it with a mixture of egg yolk and a little milk, and prick it with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 55 minutes, or until it turns golden and beautifully browned.

9. The final indulgence:
Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly before slicing. Served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, it will bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Tips and Variations

- Fruit variation: You can add other jams or dried fruits to the filling, such as raisins or cherries, for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Whole wheat flour: For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
- Olive oil: If you prefer, you can replace palm oil with olive oil for a more pronounced flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Poppy seed pie is an excellent source of fiber and protein, thanks to the poppy seeds. They contain essential fatty acids and minerals like calcium, which contribute to bone health. Additionally, apricot jam adds a dose of vitamins and antioxidants, making this pie a more nutritional choice than many other desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pie after baking. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.
- How long does it last? Stored in an airtight container, the pie can stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- What drinks pair well? A cup of herbal tea or a glass of warm milk are perfect accompaniments for this pie.

In conclusion, poppy seed pie with apricot jam is not just a dessert, but a tradition that combines flavors and aromas, perfect for any time of day. I recommend you try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Cooking is an art form and, even more importantly, a way to create unforgettable memories!