Lithuanian Poppy Seed Bread
Aguonų Duona
A fragrant and slightly sweet bread, rich with the nutty flavor of poppy seeds. This bread is often made for special occasions, particularly Christmas Eve, and can be enjoyed on its own or with butter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 50 g Granulated sugar(divided)
- 200 ml Milk(warm)
- 50 g Poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil(plus more for greasing)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Milk(for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and poppy seeds.
💡 Tip: Ensure poppy seeds are evenly distributed. - 3
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon until a dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth. The dough may be slightly sticky.
- 4
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Shape the bread: Punch down the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a thin strand (about 0.5 cm in diameter). Cut the strand into small pieces.
💡 Tip: Alternatively, you can roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with a poppy seed filling (if making a sweet roll variation), and roll it up like a jelly roll. - 6
Second rise: Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover and let rise again for 20-30 minutes.
- 7
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the bread pieces. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use half milk and half water for activating the yeast.
- ✓If using store-bought poppy seeds, ensure they are fresh. Stale poppy seeds can impart a bitter taste.
- ✓This bread is delicious served warm with butter or a drizzle of honey.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy note.
- Make sweet poppy seed rolls by rolling the dough with a sweetened poppy seed filling and slicing into rolls.
- Use whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor.