| Prep: 45 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 634 | 35.6g | 17.8g | 74.9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 36.2g | 5.8g | 11.7g | 0.33g |
If there’s one dish that never ceases to excite my taste buds, it’s the Poppy Seed Beigli (Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll). This Hungarian delicacy, packed with nutritious poppy seeds, succulent fruits and a hint of zesty tang, encapsulates my love for international culinary exploration. It’s warm, inviting flavors promise a gourmet experience that truly bridges the gap between my Pacific Northwest upbringing and my Japanese roots.
A Walk Through A Hungarian Kitchen
Drawing from the rich culinary traditions of Hungary, the Poppy Seed Beigli bears semblance to my cherished sushi rolls. Like sushi, the Beigli requires patience, skill, and artistry. Carefully kneading the dough, rolling in the poppy seed filling and finally getting that perfect roll, is a delicate art. Once you master it, you’ll unearth a world of flavors – the sweet burst of raisins, the subtle citrus undertones of the lemon zest, and the ever so slight hint of vanilla – all wrapped in a warm, golden crust.
Health on a Platter
What really sets the Beigli apart is its unique combination of taste and health benefits. Poppy seeds, the heart of this dish, are a potent source of fiber that helps in promoting digestion. The addition of lemon zest not only offers a refreshing citrusy zing but also brings in a burst of vitamin C. Moreover, the integral part of raisins in the fillings presents an excellent way of incorporating dry fruits in your diet. With no compromise on taste, the Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll becomes an indulgence you won’t feel guilty about. It’s the perfect union of health and gourmet.
In my culinary travels, the Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll shares similarities with a variety of other international gastronomical delights. It’s reminiscent of the Strudel from Austria, or the Poppy Seed Kolache from Czech bakeries. It also pairs excellently with a cup of matcha tea, a comforting homage to my Japanese heritage. If you’re looking to explore other deserts with poppy seeds, give the Polish Poppy Seed Strudel or Ukranian Poppy Seed Roulade a try.
As you try this recipe in your kitchen, take a moment to embrace the history and culture it’s steeped. Allow the flavors to transport you to the alleyways of Budapest and immerse yourself in the wonder of food and its ability to remain a universal language. Just as sushi is more than just food for the Japanese, the Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll is more than a dessert – it’s a celebration of tradition and culinary arts.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon of Active Dry Yeast
- 1/3 cup of Sugar
- 4 cups of All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
- 1 cup of Unsalted Butter
- 3 Egg Yolks
- 3/4 cup of Sour Cream
- 1 cup of Poppy Seeds
- 1/2 cup of Raisins
- 1/4 cup of Finely Grated Lemon Zest
- 1/2 cup of Honey
- 1/2 cup of Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract.
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
Method
Step One
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar and 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir this mixture and leave it to sit for about 10 minutes or until it starts to foam.
Step Two
In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Allow it to cool slightly then pour it into the flour mixture along with the yeast mixture, egg yolks and sour cream. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to combine these ingredients until they form a dough. Knead this dough on a lightly floured surface for around 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth and leave it to rise for two hours.
Step Three
While the dough is rising, prepare the poppy seed filling. In a food processor, grind the poppy seeds until they become a coarse meal. Transfer the poppy seeds to a bowl and mix in the raisins, grated lemon zest, honey, granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside.
Step Four
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough in half and roll out each piece on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step Five
Spread half the poppy seed filling onto each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll up the dough from the long side, tucking in the edges as you go to seal the filling inside. Place the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg for the egg wash and brush it over the tops of the rolls to help them brown.
Step Six
Bake your poppy seed rolls in the preheated oven for around 35 minutes, or until they become golden brown. Removing them from the oven, let them cool on a wire rack before slicing to serve. Enjoy your Hungarian Poppy Seed Beigli!
