Authentic Hungarian Mákos Guba Recipe

Ingredients

6 slices of stale bread
1 cup of poppy seeds
1 cup of sugar
3 cups of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of rum
Zest of 1 lemon
4 eggs
1/4 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix together the poppy seeds and sugar.
Cut the stale bread into cubes and then add them to the poppy seed mixture, ensuring all bread is coated.
In a saucepan, heat the milk until it is hot but not boiling. Add the vanilla extract and rum to the milk.
Pour the hot milk mixture over the bread and poppy seed mixture. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes.
While the bread is soaking, grate the zest of 1 lemon and add it to the mixture.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are frothy. Pour the beaten eggs over the soaked bread mixture and mix everything together.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Baking dish - A dish to bake the Mákos Guba in.
Saucepan - A pan to heat the milk and mix in the vanilla extract and rum.
Grater - Used to grate the lemon zest.
Mixing bowl - A bowl to mix the poppy seeds and sugar, as well as beat the eggs.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs until frothy.
Oven - Preheat to 180°C (350°F) for baking the Mákos Guba.

Recipe variations

Use different types of bread for variation, such as challah, brioche, or even croissants.
Add raisins or other dried fruits to the bread mixture for added sweetness.
Experiment with different flavors for the milk mixture, such as almond or coconut milk.
Replace the poppy seeds with other nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sesame seeds.
Add a layer of jam or fruit compote between the bread layers for extra flavor.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.
For a savory twist, add grated cheese between the bread layers and sprinkle with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Make it vegan by substituting the milk with a non-dairy alternative, using a vegan bread, and replacing the eggs with a suitable egg substitute.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Recipe overview

Experience a taste of Hungary with this traditional and delightful Mákos Guba recipe. Mákos Guba, or poppy seed bread pudding, is a classic Hungarian dessert that's historically popular during the Christmas season. Made from simple ingredients such as stale bread, poppy seeds, milk, eggs, and sugar, this dish is a comforting treat that's perfect for cold winter days. The addition of rum and vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives it a sweet finishing touch. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you'll have a delicious dessert that's sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making Mákos Guba and indulging in its wonderful flavors.

Common questions

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread? - It is best to use stale bread for this recipe as it will absorb the milk mixture more easily. However, if you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast it in the oven before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I substitute the poppy seeds with something else? - Poppy seeds are a key ingredient in Mákos Guba and they add a unique flavor. It is not recommended to substitute them with anything else, as it will alter the traditional taste of the dish.
Can I omit the rum in this recipe? - Yes, if you prefer to make the recipe without alcohol, you can omit the rum. The Mákos Guba will still be delicious without it.
How should I store the leftovers? - If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Mákos Guba can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven.
Can I add other ingredients, such as raisins or nuts? - While the traditional recipe does not include raisins or nuts, you can certainly add them if you like. Raisins can be soaked in rum and added to the mixture before baking, and nuts can be sprinkled on top for added texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking dish - A dish used for baking the Mákos Guba pudding in the oven.
Grater - Used to grate the zest of a lemon to add to the pudding mixture.
Mixing bowl - A bowl used to mix the poppy seeds, sugar, bread, milk, eggs, and other ingredients.
Saucepan - Used to heat the milk and mix in the vanilla extract and rum.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs until frothy before adding them to the pudding mixture.
Powdered sugar shaker - Used to dust powdered sugar over the Mákos Guba before serving.

Origin stories

Mákos Guba, pronounced as "mah-kosh goo-bah", is a cherished dessert in Hungary, especially during the Christmas season. It is traditionally made with "kifli", a kind of Hungarian roll, which is then soaked in a concoction of sweet milk and poppy seeds. The love of poppy seeds in Hungarian cuisine is well-known, with the poppy seed-filled Mákos Guba being one of the most loved manifestations of this. It is said that this dessert was a creative solution to make use of stale bread or rolls, thus ensuring nothing went to waste. But don't let this humble origin story fool you, Mákos Guba is a deeply satisfying dessert, rich, flavourful, and steeped in tradition. Over time, variations have emerged, some adding rum or lemon zest for an extra depth of flavour, but the essence of Mákos Guba remains the same - a testament to Hungarian resourcefulness and culinary ingenuity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.