Sweet bread

Nut Roll with Walnut, Poppy, and Cocoa - Family Recipe

Nut roll is a culinary tradition that brings families and friends together during festive moments. This recipe for nut roll with walnut, poppy, and cocoa is not just a simple dessert, but a story intertwined with family memories, aroma, and warmth. It's my mother's recipe, which I lovingly prepare every year, especially during the holidays. Cooking this nut roll makes me feel like I'm returning home, surrounded by loved ones. Let's discover together how to make it!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 3 nut rolls

Ingredients

- 1 kg flour (choose a quality flour for a fluffy texture)
- 2 cups warm milk (about 500 ml)
- 3 large eggs (use fresh eggs for better taste)
- 200 g sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh flavor)
- Zest of one orange (natural flavoring)
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- 150 ml warm oil (oil helps achieve a tender texture)
- 4 teaspoons instant yeast
- Raisins (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 2 cups ground walnuts (make sure they are fresh)
- 200 g ground poppy seeds
- 100 g soft butter (for the cocoa filling)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (use high-quality cocoa)
- 1/2 cup warm milk for the poppy filling
- Oil for greasing the walnut roll sheet
- 1 beaten egg for brushing the rolls
- Rum essence (optional, for added flavor)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step helps aerate the flour, contributing to a fluffy nut roll. Add the dry yeast and mix well.

2. Preparing the dough: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. This will add volume and air to your dough.

3. Mixing wet ingredients: In the bowl with flour and yeast, add the egg yolks, sugar, lemon and orange zest, vanilla sugar, salt, and warm milk. Mix the ingredients well until a soft dough forms.

4. Incorporating the egg whites: Now, add the beaten egg whites and finally, the warm oil. Knead the dough with your hands, turning it in a cross pattern, to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Adding raisins: If you choose to use raisins, now is the time to add them. They will bring a sweet note and an interesting texture to the nut roll.

6. Dough rising: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface, cover the dough with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Preparing the Fillings

7. Walnut roll: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Roll out a thick sheet of about 1 cm. Grease with oil, sprinkle with ground walnuts mixed with sugar and a little rum essence. Roll the sheet and place the nut roll in the baking tray.

8. Poppy roll: For the poppy filling, grind the poppy seeds and mix them with grated lemon zest, sugar to taste, and warm milk. Spread this paste on the dough sheet without greasing it with oil, and roll it up.

9. Cocoa roll: Mix the butter with cocoa and sugar. Spread the obtained cream on the dough sheet and roll it up.

Baking

10. Preparing for the oven: Place the rolls in the lined baking tray and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. For a nice appearance, brush them with beaten egg before placing them in the oven.

11. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and bake the rolls for about 1 hour or until golden. It is important to watch them in the last few minutes to avoid burning.

Serving

The nut roll is served warm or at room temperature, cut into generous slices. It pairs perfectly with fragrant tea or coffee. You can serve it with fruit jams or a scoop of ice cream for a special dessert.

Final Notes

This recipe for nut roll with walnut, poppy, and cocoa is not just a dessert, but a symbol of family reunions and traditions. It is a versatile recipe; you can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate or dried fruits. The nut roll can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but I'm sure it will disappear quickly!

Nutritional Information

Each slice of nut roll contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the filling chosen. It is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, thanks to the nuts and eggs. Enjoy it in moderation and savor every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

2. How long can I keep the nut roll?
The nut roll keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later.

3. What can I use instead of raisins?
You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, dates, or candied fruits.

In the end, making this nut roll is a true pleasure. I encourage you to try this recipe with an open heart and fill your home with inviting aromas. Enjoy your meal!