Poppy Seed Roll - Baigli

Poppy Seed Roll - Baigli

Who can resist a fluffy roll filled with aromatic poppy seed filling? This poppy seed roll recipe, also known as baigli, has a rich history and is a perfect choice for any occasion, from festive meals to a simple everyday snack. The poppy seed roll is a versatile dessert that combines textures and flavors in a delightful way. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this simple yet delicious recipe!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 550 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g butter (soft)
- 70 g brown sugar
- 100 g sour cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 7 g dry yeast

For the filling:
- 200 g poppy seeds
- 70 ml milk
- 150 g sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by adding the milk, soft butter, sugar, egg yolks, and sour cream into the bowl of a mixer. Mix the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous composition. Finally, add the flour and dry yeast. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process is essential for obtaining a fluffy roll.

2. Proofing the dough: Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours or until it doubles in volume. Proofing is a crucial step for achieving an airy texture.

3. Preparing the filling: In a saucepan, add the milk along with the sugar and bring to a boil. Once the milk starts boiling, add the poppy seeds and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. After it cools down, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the poppy seed mixture. This step will add an airy texture to the filling.

4. Forming the rolls: Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a rectangular sheet. Place a few tablespoons of poppy seed filling on each sheet and carefully roll it up. Make sure to seal the ends of the rolls well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

5. Placing in the tray: Place each roll in the prepared tray. It is recommended to use a tall and narrow tray to allow the rolls to rise vertically, giving them a more elegant appearance.

6. Brushing and baking: Beat the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush each roll with the mixture obtained. This step not only adds a beautiful color but also an appetizing texture to the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden and rise beautifully.

7. Cooling: After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain a light texture. Once completely cooled, slice the rolls and serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea.

Helpful tips:
- Ingredients: Use high-quality butter, as it will influence the final flavor of the roll. Also, ensure that the yeast is fresh for optimal proofing.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding flavors like vanilla essence or lemon zest to the poppy seed filling. Additionally, for a richer variant, try adding some finely chopped nuts to the filling.
- Storage: The rolls keep well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. They can also be frozen, but make sure they are well packaged to avoid freezer burn.

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: approximately 250 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g

This poppy seed roll is perfect to be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, adding a touch of flavor to any gathering with family and friends. So, get ready to impress with this simple yet traditional recipe that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones! Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy the cooking process!