This Old World Poppy Seed Roll recipe takes you back in time. It combines the earthy texture of poppy seeds with a sweet, soft bread roll, creating a perfect balance of flavor. The result is a delightful, mouth-watering pastry that makes a great snack or dessert.
Photos of Old World Poppy Seed Roll Recipe
The key ingredient in this recipe that you might not usually have at home is poppy seeds. Typically found in the baking or spice aisle, they add a unique crunch and flavor to the rolls. The rest of the ingredients like sugar, butter, lemon juice, milk, yeast, flour, salt, and eggs are pretty common in most kitchens.
Ingredients for Old World Poppy Seed Roll
Poppy seeds: They add a unique flavor and texture to the rolls.
White sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to the roll.
Butter: Gives the roll its soft and tender texture.
Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with its tanginess.
Milk: Used in the filling and dough for moisture.
Yeast: Helps the dough to rise, making the rolls soft and fluffy.
Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure to the rolls.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Egg: Used for binding the ingredients together and for brushing on top for a shiny finish.
One reader, Cathrin Boyce says:
This old world poppy seed roll recipe is a gem! The aroma of freshly ground poppy seeds and the sweet, buttery dough is simply irresistible. The rolls turned out soft and flavorful, and the filling was just perfect. It's a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Old World Poppy Seed Rolls
How to grind poppy seeds: Place poppy seeds into a food processor and process for about 1 minute or until seeds are ground.
How to make poppy seed filling: Mix ground poppy seeds with sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, and hot milk in a bowl; stir to combine. Cover the poppy seed filling and refrigerate while making the bread.
How to activate yeast: Mix yeast with water and sugar in a small bowl. Allow it to stand until the yeast forms a creamy layer.
How to make the dough: Whisk flour with salt in a bowl; use a pastry cutter to cut butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour the yeast mixture and egg yolk into the flour mixture and stir to make a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and slightly springy.
How to roll out the dough: Cut the dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a 12x16-inch rectangle.
How to fill and shape the rolls: Spread half the poppy seed filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the 1-inch border back over the filling on all sides and press down. Roll each rectangle like a jelly roll and pinch the ends together or tuck the ends under to prevent filling from leaking out.
How to allow the rolls to rise: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; place rolls seam sides down on the baking sheet and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
How to glaze the rolls: Beat egg white in a bowl until frothy; brush the rolls with beaten egg white.
How to bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until dark golden brown on top.
How to cool the rolls: Remove from the oven and cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel until cool to keep the crust soft. Cool completely before slicing.
How To Make Old World Poppy Seed Roll
This poppy seed roll is an Eastern Europe-inspired old world recipe. It’s a soft and sweet bread with a creamy poppy seed filling.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½lbpoppy seeds
- ¾cupwhite sugar
- 1tbspbutter,melted
- 1tsplemon juice
- ½cuphot milk
- ¼ozactive dry yeast
- ½cupwarm water,100 degrees F/38 degrees C
- 2tbspwhite sugar
- 2cupsall-purpose flour,or more if needed
- ½tspsalt
- ¼cupbutter
- 1egg,separated – white reserved
Instructions
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Place poppy seeds into a food processor and process for about 1 minute or until seeds are ground.
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Mix poppy seeds with ¾ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon melted butter, lemon juice, and hot milk in a bowl; stir to combine. Cover poppy seed filling and refrigerate while making bread.
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Mix yeast with water and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl. Allow to stand until the yeast forms a creamy layer.
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Whisk flour with salt in a bowl; use a pastry cutter to cut ¼ cup butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Pour yeast mixture and egg yolk into flour mixture and stir to make a soft dough.
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Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and knead for about 5 minutes or until smooth and slightly springy. If the dough is too sticky, knead in more flour, about 2 tablespoons at a time.
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Cut dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
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Spread half the poppy seed filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the 1-inch border back over the filling on all sides and press down.
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Pick up the shorter side of a dough rectangle and roll it like a jelly roll; repeat with second rectangle. Pinch ends together or tuck ends under to prevent filling from leaking out.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; place rolls seam sides down on the baking sheet and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Beat egg white in a bowl until frothy; brush the rolls with beaten egg white.
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Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until dark golden brown on top. Remove from oven and cover rolls with a clean kitchen towel until cool to keep crust soft. Cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Calories: 574.45kcal
- Fat: 27.14g
- Saturated Fat: 8.46g
- Trans Fat: 0.39g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.51g
- Carbohydrates: 73.17g
- Fiber: 8.82g
- Sugar: 31.43g
- Protein: 13.23g
- Cholesterol: 54.12mg
- Sodium: 226.36mg
- Calcium: 581.04mg
- Potassium: 368.71mg
- Iron: 5.80mg
- Vitamin A: 101.70µg
- Vitamin C: 0.71mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Poppy Seed Rolls
When preparing the poppy seed filling, it's crucial to ensure that the seeds are finely ground. This will allow them to absorb the hot milk more effectively, resulting in a smoother, creamier filling. Additionally, when rolling the dough, apply gentle but firm pressure to ensure the filling is evenly distributed and the roll maintains its shape during baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Poppy Seed Rolls
Prep ahead: Make the poppy seed filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of baking.
Efficient rolling: Roll out both dough rectangles simultaneously to streamline the process and ensure uniformity in the size and shape of the rolls.
Baking simultaneously: Bake both rolls at the same time to maximize oven efficiency and reduce overall baking time.
Chill dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and shape.
Use food processor: Utilize a food processor to grind the poppy seeds quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Old World Poppy Seed Roll Recipe
poppy seeds - Substitute with sesame seeds: Sesame seeds have a similar nutty flavor and can provide a crunchy texture like poppy seeds.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and moisture to the recipe, and it also brings a unique flavor profile.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the recipe, and it is a suitable alternative for baking.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide the tangy acidity that lemon juice offers in the recipe.
hot milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, and it adds a subtle nutty flavor to the roll.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used as a substitute, but it may require adjustments in the rising time.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier alternative, but it may result in a denser texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to the recipe, serving as an egg replacement for a vegan option.
Best Way to Present Poppy Seed Rolls
Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the poppy seed rolls on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and presented with precision.
Garnish with elegance: Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the poppy seed rolls to add a touch of elegance and contrast to the dark golden brown crust.
Incorporate visual contrast: Accompany the poppy seed rolls with a vibrant, fresh berry compote or a dollop of whipped cream to provide a visually striking contrast to the rich, dark filling.
Utilize artistic drizzling: Drizzle a delicate, artistic pattern of honey or a citrus-infused syrup on the plate to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall presentation.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the alignment and placement of each slice when serving, ensuring that the rolls are presented with a sense of artistry and precision.
Highlight the filling: Serve the poppy seed rolls on a bed of edible flowers or mint leaves to draw attention to the intricate poppy seed filling and create a visually appealing presentation.
Consider the plate shape: Choose a uniquely shaped plate to showcase the poppy seed rolls, allowing the dish to stand out and capture the attention of the culinary professionals.
Incorporate texture: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a delicate tuile to introduce a contrasting texture and elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the poppy seed rolls in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a visually pleasing and balanced presentation that reflects attention to detail.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to allow the poppy seed rolls to take center stage, emphasizing their beauty and craftsmanship.
Essential Tools for Making Old World Poppy Seed Rolls
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to chop, blend, and grind ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Pastry cutter: A kitchen tool with curved blades used to cut fat into flour when making pastry dough.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used to bake items in the oven.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans.
Storing and Freezing Old World Poppy Seed Rolls
- Allow the poppy seed rolls to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the rolls:
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen poppy seed rolls:
- Remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually.
- Alternatively, thaw the rolls at room temperature for 2-3 hours or until they reach the desired temperature.
- To reheat, place the thawed rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
- For a softer crust after reheating, brush the rolls with a little melted butter or cover them with a damp kitchen towel for a few minutes after removing them from the oven.
How to Reheat Leftover Poppy Seed Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover poppy seed roll in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the roll is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method will help restore the roll's original texture and flavor.
For a quicker option, you can use a toaster oven. Cut the leftover roll into individual slices and place them on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the slices are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can use the microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the leftover roll or individual slices and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds per slice, or 30-40 seconds for a whole roll. The damp paper towel will help prevent the roll from drying out during reheating.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, you can use a combination of the oven and microwave methods. First, wrap the leftover roll in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the foil and microwave the roll for an additional 15-20 seconds. This method will give you the best of both worlds – a crispy crust and a soft, warm center.
If you have a panini press or sandwich maker, you can use it to reheat individual slices of the poppy seed roll. Simply place a slice on the preheated press and close the lid. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the slice is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is perfect for creating a unique, pressed sandwich-style treat.
Interesting Fact About Old World Poppy Seed Rolls
The poppy seed roll is a traditional Eastern European pastry that is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. It is a popular treat in countries like Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine. The poppy seed filling is not only delicious but also holds cultural significance, as poppy seeds are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in some Eastern European traditions. The roll is often served as a symbol of hope and abundance for the coming year.
Is Making Poppy Seed Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?
This poppy seed roll recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Poppy seeds are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are common pantry items. The recipe yields two rolls, providing enough servings for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire recipe is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option. Considering the delightful flavors and the satisfaction it brings, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Old World Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This poppy seed roll recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, with ¾ cup in the filling and an additional 2 tablespoons in the dough, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues.
- The use of all-purpose flour provides minimal fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Butter is used in both the filling and the dough, adding saturated fat to the recipe.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the sugar content in the filling by replacing some of the white sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or by using dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to add sweetness and fiber.
- Substitute at least half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or other whole grain flours like spelt or oat flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the rolls.
- Replace some or all of the butter with healthier alternatives like olive oil, coconut oil, or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Incorporate additional healthy ingredients into the filling, such as chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added protein and healthy fats, or grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Brush the rolls with egg white before baking to achieve a golden-brown color and crispy texture without the need for additional butter or oil.
Enhance Your Old World Poppy Seed Roll Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Poppy Seed Rolls
Why trust this Old World Poppy Seed Roll Recipe:
This recipe offers a traditional old world approach to making a delicious poppy seed roll. The use of poppy seeds and lemon juice adds a unique and authentic flavor profile. The detailed instructions ensure that the dough is perfectly kneaded and the filling is evenly spread, resulting in a delightful texture and taste. Trust the combination of yeast and flour to create a soft and airy roll, while the baking process yields a golden brown crust. This recipe has been carefully crafted to preserve the essence of an old world favorite, making it a reliable choice for any baker.
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