Poppy Seed Bars

Poppy Seed Bars Recipe - A Fluffy and Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 8 bars

Welcome to the world of flavors and textures with this delicious recipe for poppy seed bars, sure to bring back fond childhood memories! These bars are a perfect blend of fluffiness and sweetness, ideal for a savory breakfast or a snack between meals. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare these treats, while also answering frequently asked questions and providing useful tips for achieving a perfect result.

A Brief History of Poppy Seed Bars

Poppy seed bars are a delicacy that has captured the hearts of many over time. They are often associated with moments of indulgence, enjoyed warm straight from the oven. You will fall in love with their unmistakable aroma and fluffy texture, combined with a crispy crust and the slightly sweet taste of the syrup that coats them.

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 000 for a finer texture)
- 7 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 50 g sugar (for a slightly sweet taste)
- 250 ml mineral water (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 70 ml oil (sunflower oil is an excellent choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to balance the taste)

For brushing the bars:
- 50 ml water
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds (to add flavor and a decorative aspect)

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (depending on your sweetness preferences)

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it and eliminate any lumps. Then, add the salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon to combine them evenly.

2. Incorporating the Liquids
Begin to gradually add the mineral water, stirring continuously until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important that the water is at room temperature, as this will activate the yeast and help the dough rise better.

3. Kneading the Dough
After incorporating all the water, add the oil and knead the dough with your hands for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. Don't hesitate to add a little flour if the dough is too sticky.

4. Rising the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about an hour in a warm place, away from drafts. This step is essential for obtaining fluffy and airy bars.

5. Shaping the Bars
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and turn the risen dough out. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and form balls. Take the first ball and roll it out into a thin rectangular sheet. Then, roll the sheet lengthwise to form a bar. Repeat with the other balls.

6. Second Rising
Place the bars on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Cover them again and let them rise for 25-30 minutes. This second rising will help them become even fluffier.

7. Preparing the Syrup
In a small pot, combine the water and sugar, bringing them to a boil for one minute until the sugar is completely dissolved. This syrup will add a touch of sweetness to the bars and keep them moist.

8. Baking the Bars
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the 50 ml of water with a teaspoon of flour and brush the bars with this mixture. Sprinkle the poppy seeds on top and place them in the oven, allowing them to bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and browned.

9. Finalizing the Dish
When the bars are ready, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the prepared syrup. They are served warm, and their aroma will delight your senses. You can enjoy them plain or pair them with creamy butter for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These poppy seed bars pair perfectly with a warm tea or aromatic coffee. If you want to personalize them, you can add a bit of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for an even more interesting flavor. You can also experiment with different seeds, such as sesame or sunflower seeds, to add a crunchy note.

Nutritional Benefits

These bars, although a sweet indulgence, contain simple and healthy ingredients. Flour is a good source of carbohydrates, and poppy seeds add a dose of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. The oil adds healthy fats, and the sugar can be adjusted according to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use 25 g of fresh yeast instead of 7 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dough.

2. How can I store the bars?
The bars can be stored in a plastic bag at room temperature. They will remain fluffy the next day, but I recommend enjoying them warm for the best results.

3. What other flavors can I add?
You can add ingredients such as chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate to create various versions of the bars.

Calories and Servings

One bar has approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and oil used. This recipe produces 8 delicious bars, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

I hope this poppy seed bar recipe brings you joy and pleasant memories! I encourage you to try it and explore the wonderful world of cooking. Enjoy your meal!