The Poppy Seed and Raisin Roll recipe you’ve shared is a delightful homage to a traditional Polish treat often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. This rich, yeast-based pastry is filled with a sweet and aromatic poppy seed mixture, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a comforting baked good. Here’s a detailed exploration of the recipe, including its history, ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for making it a success in your own kitchen.
Recipe Background and Origin
Poppy seed rolls are deeply rooted in Eastern European culinary traditions, particularly in Poland where they are a staple during Christmas and Easter celebrations. The combination of poppy seeds, raisins, and sweet dough creates a treat that’s both indulgent and festive, often symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Ingredients
Dough:
- Milk: 2 cups, lukewarm
- Sugar: 1 cup
- All-purpose Flour: 7-8 cups
- Margarine: 1/2 pound (about 2 sticks), softened
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2, separated (yolks for dough, whites for filling)
Poppyseed Filling:
- Margarine: 1/2 cup
- Poppy Seeds: 2 cups, ground
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 1 cup
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 lemon
- Raisins: 1 cup, soaked and drained
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 2268.2
- Fat: 90.9g
- Saturated Fat: 17.3g
- Cholesterol: 312.7mg
- Sodium: 1051mg
- Carbohydrates: 324.2g
- Fiber: 14.6g
- Sugar: 134.4g
- Protein: 49.1g
Recipe Instructions
Poppyseed Filling:
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Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, melt margarine over medium heat. Add ground poppy seeds and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in confectioners’ sugar, honey, lemon zest, and drained raisins. Mix well until combined, then fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Set aside.
Dough:
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Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, crumble yeast into lukewarm milk. Add 1 cup of sugar and egg yolks. Mix until well blended and set aside for 1 hour to activate the yeast.
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Prepare the Dough: In another large bowl, combine 7 cups of flour, softened margarine, and salt. Mix together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to pie crust dough.
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Combine and Knead: Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
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First Rise: Grease the dough lightly and cover it with a towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
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Assembly and Baking:
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Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
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Add Filling: Spread the prepared poppyseed filling evenly over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Roll and Seal: Roll up each rectangle tightly, similar to a jelly roll. Pinch the edges to seal and place them seam side down on a greased baking sheet.
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Final Rise: Brush each roll with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a little water) and make several small slits across the top of each roll. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 20 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 35-45 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is lukewarm—not too hot or cold—to activate the yeast properly.
- Filling Consistency: Adjust the sweetness and thickness of the filling to your preference by varying the amount of sugar and honey.
- Storage: These rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Poppy Seed and Raisin Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or as a delightful addition to a brunch spread. Their sweet, nutty flavor and soft, pillowy texture make them a favorite among both young and old alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Poppy Seed and Raisin Roll recipe is a wonderful way to recreate a cherished family tradition or explore a new culinary delight. With its rich history and decadent flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire, perfect for sharing with loved ones during holidays or any time you crave a comforting, homemade treat. Enjoy the process of making these rolls and savor the delicious results—they’re a true labor of love in every bite.
