Poppy Seed Pastries

Poppy seed pastries are delightful baked goods with a rich and aromatic filling, perfect for tea-time or as a dessert. This recipe blends a soft, fluffy dough with a luscious poppy seed filling, offering a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. The dough, enriched with milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla, creates a tender, slightly sweet base that complements the nutty poppy seed filling. The entire process takes a bit of time but rewards you with a dozen golden-brown pastries that are slightly crispy on the outside and perfectly soft inside. The recipe allows for creative add-ins like orange zest, which enhances the poppy seed filling with a fresh, citrus aroma. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe guides you through each step to ensure perfect results. Once baked, these pastries can be finished with a delicate glaze of honey or peach jam. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share with friends and family for a delightful treat. The aroma from your kitchen will draw everyone in, making them hard to resist. Serve them warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect pairing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 200 ml milk
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 60 g butter
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Filling:

• 200 g poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Zest of one orange
• 100 ml water

Preparation Time

Total: 3 hours 15 minutes

• Prep time: 45 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Rising time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the starter: In a large bowl, combine the yeast with 1 tablespoon sugar. Pour in the warmed milk and add half of the flour. Mix well until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for 90 minutes.
2. Mix the dough: In a separate bowl, beat the remaining sugar with the eggs, a pinch of salt, and melted butter. Combine this mixture with the risen starter, adding the rest of the flour as you mix. Knead until you get a smooth dough.
3. First rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4. Prepare the filling: In a small saucepan, cook the poppy seeds with sugar over low heat for 20 minutes while stirring. Grate the orange zest into the mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 30x60 cm in size.
6. Add the filling: Spread the poppy seed mixture evenly over the rolled dough.
7. Fold the dough: Fold the dough in thirds, like a business letter, by bringing the wide side to the center and folding the other over it.
8. Cut the pastries: With a sharp knife, cut the folded dough into 12 equal strips, about 3 cm wide.
9. Shape the pastries: Twist each strip into a ring and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Prepare for baking: Brush the tops of each pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
11. Bake: Place the pastries in an oven preheated to 200°C (392°F) and bake for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
12. Finish: Optional - while still warm, brush with honey or peach jam for a glossy finish and added sweetness.

Tips

• Soak poppy seeds: To soften poppy seeds and enhance their flavor, soak them in hot water for at least an hour before using.
• Make ahead: The dough can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the fridge overnight to save time.
• Substitute flavors: Replace orange zest with lemon zest for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Test for doneness: If unsure about baking time, check if pastries sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per pastry
• Protein: 6 g
• Fats: 10 g
• Carbs: 35 g

Variations

• For a dairy-free version: Substitute milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free margarine instead of butter.
• For a sugar-free option: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol or Stevia.
• Add nuts: For added texture, sprinkle finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, into the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or compote.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Complement with a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, for a relaxing tea time.

Best Places

• Café Mozart - Renowned for its selection of pastries and cozy atmosphere. Location: 101 Old Town Square, Vienna, Austria.
• Patisserie Valerie - Famous for traditional European pastries with a modern twist. Location: 214-216 Marylebone, London, UK.
• Les Deux Magots - Offers French pastries in a historic café setting. Location: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, Paris, France.
• Bakery Lorraine - Popular for its artisan baked goods in a vibrant environment. Location: 306 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
• Doughnut Plant - Known for innovative pastries and doughnuts, a must-visit for pastry lovers. Location: 379 Grand Street, New York City, New York, USA.
• Café Central - Historic café offering classic Viennese pastries and coffee. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Tartine Bakery - Celebrated for its fresh and unique bakery items, including pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, California, USA.
• Bageriet - Offers a taste of authentic Swedish pastries in a quaint London shop. Location: 24 Rose Street, London, UK.
• GAIL's Bakery - Modern bakery with a range of handmade pastries. Location: 5 Circus Parade, London, UK.
• Pastéis de Belém - Famous for its custard tarts, a must-visit for pastry enthusiasts. Location: Rua de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.