Trnovečka Poppy Seed Roll

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 250ml (1 cup) milk, lukewarm 250ml (1 cup) milk, lukewarm
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 300g (2 cups) ground poppy seeds 300g (2 cups) ground poppy seeds
• 200ml (3/4 cup) milk 200ml (3/4 cup) milk
• 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 100g (1 cup) powdered sugar 100g (1 cup) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk 2 tablespoons milk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 57g, 25g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine the ground poppy seeds, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes together, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Place the roll onto the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
8. 8.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled roll.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve the Trnovečka Poppy Seed Roll, and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Poppy seeds — Make sure to grind the poppy seeds just before using them to preserve their freshness and flavor.
• Lemon zest — Use organic lemons for the zest to avoid any wax or pesticides on the skin.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the poppy seed filling, you can add a splash of rum or almond extract.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract or lemon juice to the powdered sugar and milk mixture.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar or crushed pistachios on top of the glazed roll before serving.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• This roll is best enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Serving advice

Serve the Trnovečka Poppy Seed Roll as a delightful dessert or enjoy it as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. Slice it into thick pieces and savor the heavenly combination of the soft dough and the aromatic poppy seed filling.

Presentation advice

To present the Trnovečka Poppy Seed Roll beautifully, place it on a serving platter and dust it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch.