Makowiec ~ Poppyseed Roll

Authentic Makowiec  ~  a.k.a.  Poppyseed Rolls

A beautiful benefit of the internet is corresponding with the world.  I typed a request for a recipe for Poppyseed rolls and a beautiful young lady originally from Poland and now living in Canada replied.  This is her reply / recipe   Ewelina Grabowska

Makowiec- poppyseed roll ingredients:

Ingredients for yeast dough:

500g (4 cups) wheat flour (I use all purpose)

200ml (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) warm milk (about 35°C not more)

1 egg + 3 yolks

1 spoon of vanilla sugar or extract

120g white sugar (5/8 cup)

160g butter  (3/4 cup)

40g fresh yeast  (4 tablespoons)

pinch of salt

Caned poppyseed grains with nuts and raisins.

Directions:

All ingredients need to have room temperature.

Melt butter and cool.  Hot butter kills the yeast.

Starter: in a bowl mix fresh yeast with 

3 spoons of sugar, 

half of the milk and a 

1-2 spoons of flour 

(we use only measured ingredients, do not use any extra). Cover with clean towel and rest for 15 minutes so it's start to rise.

In a bigger bowl put rest of ingrediens except butter. Add starter and mix with a hand for about 7-10 minutes. Even if you think it's too fluffy do not use more flour. Add melted butter and mix for another 5 minutes. At first you may think it's not going to mix it together but it will. Dough is good when your hand is clean. Now cover the bowl with towel and rest for 1 1/2 hr in warm temperatures (24-25°C) room temperature. 

Once yeast has risen you need to kneed it on the counter (sprinkle with flour before, so it won't stick). 

To make 2 braids cut dough in 2 pieces. 

Roll it out into a rectangular shape. 

Spread egg white on it. Put filling only in the center. Cut along both sides like in the picture above and braid it. 

Do the same with second piece. 

Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F). On baking pan covered with parchment paper place braids. Cover with clean towel and again leave it to rise for 15 minutes. After this time brush braids with egg yolk mixed with a little bit of milk.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes. You need to watch, some ovens bake it faster.