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Holidays & Special Occasions

Beigli (Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 500 g (4 cups) flour
  • 10 g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 150 g (2/3 cup) butter, cold, cubed
  • 150 ml (2/3 cup) warm milk
  • 80 g (1/3 cup) sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • For poppy seed filling: 250 g (2 cups) ground poppy seed, 150 g (3/4 cup) sugar, 150 ml (2/3 cup) milk, zest of 1 lemon
  • For walnut filling: 250 g (2 cups) ground walnuts, 150 g (3/4 cup) sugar, 150 ml (2/3 cup) milk, 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

Method

  1. Rub cold butter into flour and salt; dissolve yeast in warm milk with sugar and let stand 10 minutes.
  2. Combine flour mixture with egg yolks and yeast mixture into a smooth dough; cover and rest 30 minutes.
  3. Simmer poppy seed filling ingredients together until thick and paste-like; repeat separately for the walnut filling.
  4. Roll the dough into two rectangles and spread each with one filling, leaving a small border.
  5. Roll each tightly into a log, tucking in the ends, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
  6. Chill 30 minutes, then brush with beaten egg and prick a few small vent holes.
  7. Bake at 170C (340F) for 40-45 minutes until deep golden brown.
  8. Cool completely before slicing, as the interior sets on cooling.

Introduction: A rolled sweet pastry filled with either ground poppy seed or walnut paste, beigli is the essential Hungarian Christmas and Easter dessert, with households often making both fillings to symbolise good fortune for the year ahead.

Cultural Background: A rolled sweet pastry filled with either ground poppy seed or walnut paste, beigli is the essential Hungarian Christmas and Easter dessert, with households often making both fillings to symbolise good fortune for the year ahead.

Tips: Cool the rolls fully before slicing; cutting warm beigli causes the filling to squeeze out messily.

Variations: A chocolate filling variation has become popular in recent decades alongside the two classic fillings.

Storage: Wrap well and store at room temperature up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating: Serve at room temperature; not typically reheated.

Nutrition: Approx. 340 kcal, 7 g protein, 18 g fat, 38 g carbohydrate per slice.

FAQs:

Q: Why are two fillings traditional?

A: Households often make both poppy seed and walnut versions, said to bring prosperity and abundance for the coming year.

Q: Can beigli be frozen?

A: Yes, it freezes very well; thaw at room temperature before serving.

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