Introduction Povitica Recipe
Povitica Recipe is an Eastern European bread that has found many followers. This sweet bread crafted as a pastry rolled with walnut filling, is a visual delight with many ornamental swirls. It is this bread that we will focus on and dissect a povitica recipe step by step along with its ingredients, methods and the history that led us to this much adored creation.
What is Povitica?
Povitica which is pronounced ‘pov-e-tee-tsa’ is a sweet bread that has its origins from Central to Eastern Europe with the best coming from Croatia. The bread has a very distinct rolled appearance and the insides are packed with cream filling varying from walnuts, to chocolate, to fruits. The only issue with povitica is that it is time consuming but the final result is worth the wait. A rotund bread that has intricate swirls adoring it and wowing your friends and family.
Ingredients for Povitica Recipe
To make a classic walnut-filled povitica, you will need the following ingredients:
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ⅔ cup milk (warm)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Walnut Filling Ingredients
- 4 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup milk (warm)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk (save the white)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 egg white (for glazing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions Povitica Recipe
Preparing the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Place flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a big mixing bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Warm the milk a bit. Add that to the melted butter. Mix dough with the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Kneading the Dough Mix dough at a floured surface for a period of approximately 5 to 8 minutes then until smooth.
- Allow it to rise: Pour the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until about 1 hour later, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling
- Blend Filling Ingredients: In a food processor, pulse walnuts, cocoa powder, sugar, and melted butter until finely chopped. Gradually add warm milk and vanilla extract while pulsing until combined.
- Set Aside: Allow the filling to cool while your dough rises.
Assembling Povitica
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the walnut filling over the dough.
- Roll Up: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
- Shape into Pan: Place the rolled dough into a greased bread pan in a spiral shape or looped as desired.
- Second Rise: Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Egg Wash the Top with Beaten Egg White
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown
- Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar slicing
Tips for Mastering Your Povitica Recipe
Your dough should not be sticky, add flour as needed as you knead.
- Variations to filling: Chocolate or fruit preserves can be used for a variation in taste.
- Serving Suggestions: It is best served warm; pairing Povitica with coffee or tea, is wonderful.
Conclusion
Baking povitica will surely bring a nice surprise to your loved ones while allowing you to discover interesting aspects of Eastern European baking. The combination of tastes and its amazing appearance makes povitica more than just a bread, but an opportunity to bond over food.
Call to Action Povitica Recipe
Try making this delicious povitica at home! Share your baking experience in the comments below or subscribe for more delightful recipes!
Also read for my recent blog post Tortellini Pesto: Quick and Easy Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes
