Latvian Poppy Seed and Cheese Strudel
A delightful strudel featuring a rich filling of poppy seeds and creamy cottage cheese, encased in a tender, slightly sweet dough. This pastry is a popular treat in Latvia, often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 200 ml Warm milk
- 11 g Active dry yeast
- 100 g Sugar(divided)
- 3 g Salt
- 100 g Butter(softened)
- 1 large Egg(for dough, plus 1 yolk for egg wash)
- 200 g Ground poppy seeds
- 250 g Cottage cheese(full fat)
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Milk(for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 3
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine ground poppy seeds, cottage cheese, remaining sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- 4
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 30x40 cm (12x16 inches).
- 5
Spread the poppy seed and cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 6
Carefully roll up the dough from the long side to form a strudel. Pinch the ends to seal.
- 7
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk for the egg wash. Brush the top of the strudel with the egg wash.
- 8
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the strudel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- 9
Let the strudel cool slightly before slicing and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the poppy seeds are finely ground for a smoother filling.
- ✓If the dough becomes too sticky while kneading, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- ✓The strudel can be made ahead of time and reheated gently.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of rum or a pinch of cardamom to the filling for extra flavor.
- For a sweeter dough, increase the sugar slightly.
- Use a mix of poppy seeds and finely chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) in the filling.