Makovnjaca (Poppy Seed Roll) is a traditional Croatian recipe for yeast-based rolls filled with a poppy seed and cream filling. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Croatian version of Makovnjaca.
For the filling:
450g ground poppy seeds (preferably wild poppy seeds)
120ml creme fraiche
3 tbsp raisins
120g sugar
4 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp dark rum
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 drops vanilla extract
Method:
Add the yeast to 220ml warm milk mix thoroughly, cover and allow to rise until the mixture has doubled in size. Meanwhile sift the flour into a deep bowl, make a well in the centre and tip the yeast mixture into this then add the remaining milk, the sugar, egg yolks, lemon zest, vanilla, butter and salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon and beat thoroughly until the dough begins to thicken and air blisters form on the surface. Once you have reached this stage tip the dough into a well-greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm area to raise for about an hour (the mixture should double in volume).
Meanwhile, create the filling by mixing the ground poppy seeds, lemon zest, raisins, sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl.
When risen, divide the dough into two sections and roll out thinly on a large floured cloth. Brush with melted butter and spread the poppy seed filling on top. Heat the cream gently then combine with the honey and rum and pour half the mixture over the poppy seeds. Taking an edge of the cloth use this to roll-up the Makovnjaca Swiss-roll fashion until you have a single roll with the filling in the middle. Place this on a well-oiled baking tray and repeat with the second piece of dough.
Cover with a cloth and allow to raise in a warm place for a further half hour. Brush with well-beaten egg white and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4) for about an hour, or until they become golden brown in colour.
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