Embark on a culinary journey through Croatia with Povitica, a traditional sweet bread that holds a special place in the hearts of Croatians. This delectable treat, also known as Potica, is a beloved dessert served during festive occasions, weddings, and family gatherings. Its origins can be traced back centuries, with variations found throughout the country. In this article, we present a collection of authentic Croatian Povitica recipes, each offering a unique taste experience. From the classic Poppy Seed Povitica to the indulgent Walnut Povitica, these recipes capture the essence of Croatian culinary heritage.
**Poppy Seed Povitica:**
This classic Povitica recipe features a sweet poppy seed filling enveloped in a fluffy yeast dough. The poppy seeds are combined with sugar, butter, and spices, creating a rich and nutty flavor. The dough is rolled and filled with the poppy seed mixture, then baked to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown crust and a soft, tender interior.
**Walnut Povitica:**
For those who prefer a more decadent treat, the Walnut Povitica is a must-try. This variation features a filling made from finely ground walnuts, sugar, butter, and spices. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet dough.
**Chocolate Povitica:**
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover's dream with the Chocolate Povitica. This recipe combines a rich chocolate filling with a fluffy yeast dough. The chocolate filling is made from melted chocolate, butter, sugar, and a touch of cocoa powder, creating a luscious and decadent treat.
**Apple Povitica:**
Experience the unique flavors of the Apple Povitica, a delightful twist on the classic recipe. This variation features a filling made from fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. The apples add a natural sweetness and a touch of tartness, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.
**Apricot Povitica:**
For those who enjoy fruity flavors, the Apricot Povitica is a delightful choice. This recipe showcases a filling made from dried apricots, sugar, and a touch of lemon zest. The apricots add a vibrant orange hue and a sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy dough.
These Croatian Povitica recipes are a true testament to the country's rich culinary traditions. Whether you prefer the classic poppy seed filling or the more indulgent chocolate or walnut variations, these recipes offer a taste of Croatia's sweet heritage. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
AMAZING TRADITIONAL CROATIAN POVITICA
This bread is very popular in the Kansas City area where most people buy it instead of making it. Since I'm moving from the area I looked up recipes for it and found this one from Phyllis at rootsweb.com I've modified it a bit and added more filling suggestions at the end. I'm posting this in reponse to a request on the boards.
Provided by Mysterygirl
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 4h
Yield 2 loaves, 20-24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Combine filling ingredients in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture for about 30 minutes or until the mixture is fairly thick (remember this will be the filling inside the bread and it shouldn't be runny) Let cool.
- In a large heated bowl, combine yeast, warm water.
- and 1/2 tsp.
- sugar.
- Stir until yeast is dissolved.
- Set in a warm place for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter and salt.
- Add boiling water, stir and cool until lukewarm.
- Add this mixture to yeast.
- Stir in beaten eggs and add flour gradually.
- Turn out onto a floured board and knead about 5 minutes.
- Do not over flour this it should be softer than regular bread dough.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover and set in a warm place to rise until double in bulk.
- Put dough in center of a lightly floured work table and roll out as thin as possible with a rolling pin, maintaining a square or rectangle shape.
- The thinner you are able to roll the dough the better this will turn out.
- Spread the pulled dough evenly with the prepared.
- filling.
- Roll up the povitica as for a jelly roll.
- Cut roll in half and place each half into a greased bread pan two inches deep and form it into an"S" shape.
- Tuck in the ends and flatten it a little.
- Cover and let raise for 2-1/2 hours in a warm place.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375° for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350° for 50 minutes until nicely browned.
- Cool in pan for 30 minutes then remove from pan.
- and finish cooling on wire rack.
- alternate fillings could be your favorite fruit cooked down with sugar into almost a jam, cream cheese mixed with egg and powdered sugar or even your favorite pumpkin pie filling.
TRADITIONAL CROATIAN POVITICA
This is our family recipe as dictated to me by my Great-Aunt. We have this every year during Easter and Christmas.
Provided by Chef Original Momma
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 5h
Yield 10-15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Combine filling ingredients except raisins in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture is fairly thick (about 30 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- In a large heated bowl, combine yeast, warm water and 1/2 tsp sugar; stir until yeast is dissolved. Set in a warm place for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter and salt. Add boiling water; stir and cool until lukewarm. Add this mixture to yeast.
- Stir in beaten eggs and add flour gradually.
- Turn out onto a floured board and knead about 5 minutes. This will be softer than bread dough. Place in a greased bowl; cover and set in a warm place to rise until double in bulk.
- Method for rolling out dough: Cover a work table with a large cotton dish towel or a cloth large enough to cover the entire table. Sprinkle cloth lightly with flour all over the cloth. Put dough in center and roll out as thin as possible with a rolling pin, maintaining a square or rectangle shape.
- Spread the pulled dough evenly with the prepared filling.
- Sprinkle with raisins.
- Roll up the povitica as for a jelly roll, by lifting the cloth up on one side and letting the dough roll itself up.
- Place in a large greased baking pan, two inches deep and form it into an "S" shape. Tuck in the ends and flatten it a little. This may also be cut in half and baked in angel food cake pans or bread pans.
- Cover and let raise for 2-1/2 hours in a warm place.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 50 minutes until nicely browned.
- Cool in pan for 30 minutes then remove from pan and finish cooling on wire rack.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 956.5, Fat 43.3, SaturatedFat 10.5, Cholesterol 115.8, Sodium 356.9, Carbohydrate 133, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 73, Protein 18.5
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. This means using fresh, organic produce whenever possible.
- Make sure your yeast is active before using it. To do this, dissolve it in a little warm water with a pinch of sugar. If the yeast is active, it will start to bubble and foam within a few minutes.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten in the dough and make it easier to work with.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1-2 hours.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side. Pinch the edges together to seal the roll.
- Place the roll in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake the povitica in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Let the povitica cool completely before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
Povitica is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for any occasion. It is a bit of a labor of love, but it is well worth the effort. With a little planning and preparation, you can make this traditional Croatian bread at home. So next time you are looking for a special bread to serve, give povitica a try. You won't be disappointed!
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