Poppy seed roll

Poppy Seed Roll

A traditional poppy seed roll, known as bejgli, sliced and ready to serve

The poppy seed roll is a type of pastry consisting of a sweet yeast dough rolled around a dense, sweet filling of poppy seeds. It is a traditional dessert in many Central and Eastern European cuisines, particularly in countries such as Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany. The roll is known by various names in different languages, such as "makowiec" in Polish and "bejgli" in Hungarian.

History

The poppy seed roll has a long history in European baking, with its origins tracing back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The use of poppy seeds in baking is ancient, as poppy seeds have been cultivated since antiquity for their flavor and oil. The roll became particularly popular in the 19th century and has since become a staple in holiday and festive baking.

Preparation

The preparation of a poppy seed roll involves several steps. First, a sweet yeast dough is prepared, which is then rolled out into a thin sheet. The poppy seed filling is made by grinding poppy seeds and mixing them with sugar, milk, butter, and sometimes additional flavorings such as lemon zest or vanilla. This filling is spread evenly over the dough, which is then rolled up tightly into a log shape.

The roll is placed on a baking sheet, allowed to rise, and then baked until golden brown. After baking, the roll is often glazed with a sugar syrup or dusted with powdered sugar to enhance its sweetness and appearance.

Variations

While the classic poppy seed roll is filled with poppy seeds, there are many variations that include different fillings. Some popular alternatives include:

• Walnut roll: A similar pastry filled with a sweet walnut mixture.
• Apricot roll: Filled with apricot jam or preserves.
• Cinnamon roll: A variation with a cinnamon-sugar filling.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the poppy seed roll is associated with Christmas and Easter celebrations. It is often served as part of the dessert course during these festive meals. In some traditions, the roll is also given as a gift or shared with family and friends as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Related Pages

• Yeast bread
• Pastry
• Central European cuisine
• Poppy seed