Polish Cooking: Makowiec (Christmas Poppy Seed Roll)

poppy seeds

🥗Healthier: ground flaxseeds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Flaxseeds provide omega-3s while sunflower seeds are budget-friendly.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers natural sweetness, while brown sugar is often cheaper.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Cranberries add a tart flavor, while sultanas are usually less costly.

Separate the eggs.

Heat 1 cup of milk and add yeast and sugar; mix and let it grow for 10 minutes.

Sift the flour into a bowl and add melted butter, vanilla extract, and sugar; mix thoroughly until it stops sticking to your hand.

Let the dough grow and prepare the filling meanwhile.

If using unground poppy seeds, simmer them for 20 minutes and grind them twice; if using ground poppy seeds, submerge them in boiling water and drain carefully.

Prepare nuts by cutting them into small pieces.

Mix sugar or honey with the poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, and breadcrumbs to ensure it isn't too soggy.

Beat the egg whites until stiff, leaving at least one egg yolk for later.

Stir the egg whites into the poppy seed mixture.

Flatten the dough, making it longer than your baking form, spread the filling, and roll it up, tucking the edges inside.

Insert the rolled dough into the baking form and let it grow for at least half an hour.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens