Magonu Bulciņas Recipe

Magonu Bulciņas are delightful poppy seed buns, originating from Latvia, known for their soft, buttery texture and sweet, nutty filling. These buns are a staple in Latvian baking, often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings. They provide a wonderful combination of a tender dough with a sweet poppy seed filling, making them a treat that warms both heart and home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

0.5 kg flour
200 ml milk
100 g butter
25 g yeast
3 tbsp sugar
Salt

For the Filling

Poppy seeds
Butter
Sugar
1 egg (for basting)

Preparation Time

Total: 230 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crumble the yeast into a bowl, add a small amount of warm water, a pinch of sugar, and let it sit until it froths.
In a pan, melt the butter. Add milk, sugar, and salt to the pan. Ensure the mixture is warm, not boiling.
Combine the yeast mixture with the warm milk mixture and stir until well mixed.
Pour the mixed liquid over the flour in a large bowl and mix thoroughly to form a dough.
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for about 3 hours until doubled in size.
Once risen, divide a portion of the dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape.
Spread softened butter over the rolled dough, sprinkle generously with sugar and poppy seeds.
Roll the dough tightly into a log.
Cut the roll into slices and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Whisk the egg and use it to brush the tops of the buns.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
Bake the buns for about 15-20 minutes, until they are puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of these freshly baked Bulciņas!

Tips

Ensure the milk mixture is not too hot when adding yeast; it should be lukewarm to activate rather than kill the yeast.
Knead the dough until smooth to ensure a fluffy texture.
Consider adding a hint of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Approximate per serving:

Calories: 270
Protein: 6g
Fats: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Add a hint of cinnamon to the sugar for a warm spice flavor.
Replace poppy seeds with chopped nuts for a different texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of fresh berries or fruit compote.
Accompany with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy experience.

Best Places

Mierā Bakery - A charming bakery known for traditional Latvian pastries. Location: Riga, Latvia.
Café Rīgas - Offers a variety of local treats including Magonu Bulciņas. Location: Rigas iela 7, Liepāja, Latvia.
Tallinn's Poppy Corner - A favorite spot for poppy seed buns. Location: Kaupmehe 5, Tallinn, Estonia.
Helsinki Hearth - Known for their Finnish twist on Latvian classics. Location: Aleksanterinkatu 52, Helsinki, Finland.
Baker's Delight - A popular spot with unique variations of Magonu Bulciņas. Location: Vilniaus g. 10, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Berlin Baking Company - Offers a delightful taste of Eastern European pastries. Location: Kurfürstendamm 25, Berlin, Germany.
Prague's Delight - Famous for their exquisite poppy seed creations. Location: King George Square, Prague, Czech Republic.
Café Gdańsk - Known for serving delicious Magonu Bulciņas alongside coffee. Location: Mariacka 25, Gdańsk, Poland.
Buda's Bakery - Offers a unique fusion of Hungarian and Latvian baking styles. Location: Andrássy út 45, Budapest, Hungary.
Vienna's Sweet Spot - Renowned for their rich and buttery poppy seed rolls. Location: Mariahilfer Strasse 12, Vienna, Austria.