Potica Recipe:

Potica Recipe:Potica is a traditional Slovenian pastry that features a rich, yeasted dough rolled with a sweet, nutty filling. This beloved treat is perfect for special occasions or a delightful weekend bake. This recipe will guide you through making a classic walnut potica, a version that highlights the wonderful flavours of this Eastern European delicacy.

 Preparation Time:           Proofing Time:

 1 hour 30 minutes                2 hours

 Cooking Time:                  Total Time:

  50 minutes              4 hours 20 minutes

                             Servings:

                         1 loaf (12 slices)

Equipment:

•  Large mixing bowl
•  Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
•  Rolling pin
•  Baking sheet
•  Parchment paper
•  Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
•  Pastry brush
•  Oven

 Ingredients:

       

 Dough:

•  500g all-purpose flour
•  75g granulated sugar
•  1 tsp salt
•  2 tsp active dry yeast
•  240ml whole milk, warmed
•  75g unsalted butter, melted
•  2 large eggs
•  1 tsp vanilla extract

 Filling:

•  250g walnuts, finely ground
•  100g granulated sugar
•  1 tsp ground cinnamon
•  1/4 tsp ground cloves
•  1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
•  1/2 cup milk
•  2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
•  1/4 cup honey

Topping:

•  1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
•  Icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

 Instructions:

Best Potica: Aclassical Slovenian Delight

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1. Prepare the Dough:

• Mix Dry Ingredients:  In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
•   Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
•   Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead.
•  First Proofing: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

•  Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, milk, melted butter, and honey. Mix until well blended.

           

3. Assemble the Potica:

•  Roll Out Dough:  On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 30x40 cm.
•  Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the walnut filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
•  Roll Up: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal.
•  Shape the Loaf: Transfer the rolled dough to a greased loaf pan, placing it seam-side down. Cover and let it rise for another 1 hour.

4. Bake the Potica:

•   Preheat Oven:  Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
•   Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
•   Bake:  Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
•   Cool:  Allow the potica to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

         

5. Serve:

•  Dust with Icing Sugar:  If desired, dust with icing sugar before serving.
•  Slice and Enjoy: Slice the potica and enjoy as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.

Nutrition Chart (per serving, based on 12 servings)

|No.s  |Nutrient   | Amount per Serving |

1.        Calories                   330 kcal      
2.        Protein                    7g                  
3.        Carbohydrates       45g                
4.         Fat                           14g               
5.        Saturated Fat         5g                  
6.        Cholesterol             55mg            
7.        Sodium                    150mg         
8.        Dietary Fiber          2g                
9.        Sugars                      20g