Poppy Roll
Published:
Poppy Roll, a traditional Ukrainian dessert, is a delightful showcase of the country's love for sweet, filled pastries.
The use of poppy seeds in this desert is symbolic, as they are believed to bring abundance and good luck to the household. That is why it is commonly made as a festive dish during Christmas period, as a wish for prosperity and good fortune.
This soft, spiraled roll, filled with a rich poppy seed mixture, offers a unique blend of flavors, embodying the warmth of Ukrainian baking traditions.
Ingredients
- 1½ – 1¾ cups wheat flour
- 7/8 cup (7 fl. oz.) warm milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 0,7 oz. dry yeast
- 1,8 oz. soft butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 0,35 oz. vanilla sugar
- 1 oz. sour cream butter (for greasing the pan)
- 8,8 oz. poppy seeds
- 2,6 oz. sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 2-3 tablespoons jam
- 1,8 oz. raisins
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing the roll)
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1
Dissolve the dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes. Add two egg yolks, soft butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything to form a dough. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Step 2
Prepare the filing. Pour the boiling water over the poppy seeds and leave for 5-10 minutes. Transfer poppy seeds to a clean cloth and press out the water. Mix poppy seeds with sugar and grind them in a food processor.
Step 3
Transfer ground poppy seeds into a bowl, add egg whites, jam, and raisins.
Step 4
On a floured surface roll out the dough into a rectangle about ⅕ inch thick. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Carefully roll the dough into a log and seal the edges.
Step 5
Place the roll on a greased baking pan, cover it with a cloth, and put it into a warm place for 20-30 min.
Step 6
Preheat the oven to 390 F. Brush your roll with the egg yolk for a golden finish and bake for 45-50 min.
Step 7
Once your poppy roll is baked and cool, dust it with powdered sugar. Cut and serve with a cup of tea or a glass of milk.
Variations
Update the filling to your taste. You may add some nuts, dry fruits, lemon zest, fresh apples, or pears.