Hungarian Christmas Bread

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 2
Decadent Hungarian Christmas Bread recipe perfect for the holiday season
in Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

2 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 package dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
2/3 cup warm water
1 cup butter , at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
1/4 cup non-fat powdered milk
2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 cup ground poppy seed
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup milk
1 egg , beaten with
1 teaspoon water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
16
Calories
288
Sugar
20g
Fat
16g
Hungarian Christmas bread, also known as 'beigli,' is a sweet, pastry-like bread that is commonly enjoyed during the holiday season. It originated in Hungary and is now a beloved holiday treat in many countries around the world. The bread is made with a rich, buttery dough that is filled with a sweet, spiced mixture of ground poppy seeds and raisins. The poppy seed filling gives beigli its distinctive flavor and texture, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth. Beigli is often served at Christmas parties and family gatherings, and it's a wonderful way to showcase Hungarian heritage and traditions during the holiday season.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water.
2.In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
3.Beat in the yeast mixture, lemon peel, and powdered milk.
4.Gradually stir in enough flour to form a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
5.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
6.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7.In a separate bowl, mix together the ground poppy seeds, 1 cup sugar, and raisins.
8.Divide the dough into two equal pieces, roll each piece into a rectangle, and spread half of the poppy seed mixture on each rectangle.
9.Starting at the short end, roll up each rectangle tightly and place them seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
10.Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
11.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
12.Brush the loaves with the egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
13.Allow the loaves to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

PROS

This bread is a traditional holiday treat in Hungary, and its warm, rich flavors are perfect for the winter season.

It can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or as a dessert.

The poppy seed filling is packed with flavor and texture.

CONS

This bread can be time-consuming to make, as it requires rising time and careful attention to detail.

The high sugar and butter content means that it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this bread is not particularly healthy, it does contain poppy seeds, which are high in fiber, calcium, and iron.
They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against disease.

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