Poppy Seed Bars

Poppy Seed Bars – A Delicacy with a Story

Poppy seed bars are a traditional dessert, full of flavor and texture, that can bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These delicious pastries, with various fillings, are perfectly suited for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to festive parties. Today's recipe will guide you step by step in preparing these poppy seed bars, and I will share some useful tips and personal stories that will make your cooking experience even more enjoyable.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours
- Servings: 8 bars

Ingredients

For the dough
- 500 g wheat flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 50 g sugar
- 80 ml oil (you can use sunflower or canola oil)

For the filling
- 200 g Turkish delight (you can choose various flavors such as rose or lemon)
- or
- Cocoa cream:
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- Sugar to taste
- 2 egg whites

For brushing
- 1 egg yolk
- Poppy seeds (optional, but recommended for extra flavor and texture)

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk along with the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial, as activated yeast will ensure even rising of the dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast mixture and oil. Gently mix with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients start to come together.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a clean work surface and knead for 10 minutes. The dough should become elastic and non-sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so you don't dry out the dough.

4. Rising: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling

5. For the Turkish delight filling: Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes, making it easy to distribute in the dough.

6. For the cocoa cream: In a bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the cocoa and sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth consistency. This cream will add an intense chocolate flavor to your bars.

Assembling the bars

7. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape them into balls.

8. Rolling out the sheets: On a floured work surface, roll each ball into a thin sheet. Ensure the sheets are of even thickness for uniform baking.

9. Filling: Place a few cubes of Turkish delight or a tablespoon of cocoa cream on each sheet. Fold the edges and roll the sheet tightly to form a bar. Make sure the filling does not leak out.

10. Brushing and sprinkling: Place the bars on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg yolk and brush each bar. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for an appetizing look and delicious aroma.

Baking

11. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. This moderate temperature will allow the bars to bake evenly and turn golden.

12. Baking: Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have an appetizing appearance. During baking, the delicious aroma will fill the house, preparing you for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Serving and variations

- Let the bars cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- These bars are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also try a sweet wine for a refined combination.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as fruit jams or ground nuts, to add a personal touch.

Nutritional benefits

Poppy seed bars are not only delicious but also nutritious. Poppy seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and essential fatty acids that contribute to a balanced diet. Additionally, the dough contains carbohydrates that provide energy, while the cocoa filling adds a boost of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

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

- Can I replace the oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be a delicious alternative, giving a richer flavor to the dough.

- How can I store the bars?
The bars can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature or can be frozen for later use.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I encourage you to try this recipe for poppy seed bars. You will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, and you will have the satisfaction of having created something with your own hands. Enjoy!