Absolutely, Ashley! Let’s talk about one of the most iconic and nostalgic Hungarian holiday pastries:
🇭🇺 Mákos és Diós Bejgli – Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll, also known as Beigli.
This sweet yeasted roll is filled with either a rich poppy seed paste (mákos) or a sweet walnut filling (diós), and it’s traditionally served at Christmas and Easter in Hungary. The beautiful swirl inside and shiny crackled top make it just as stunning as it is delicious.
🇭🇺 The Hirshon Hungarian Poppy Seed and Walnut Beigli (Mákos és Diós Bejgli)
🧺 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2½ tsp instant yeast
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Walnut Filling (Diós):
- 1½ cups ground walnuts
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla
For the Poppy Seed Filling (Mákos):
- 1½ cups ground poppy seeds
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp raisins, 1 tbsp honey
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)