Authentic Serbian Orahnjača: A Traditional Walnut Roll Recipe

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
    • 500g all-purpose flour
    • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 7g)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 70g sugar
    • 250ml milk
    • 75g unsalted butter
    • 2 egg yolks
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Zest of 1 lemon
  • For the Filling:
    • 500g walnuts
    • 200g sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 100ml rum
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 100g raisins
  • For the Glaze:
    • 1 egg
    • 2 tablespoons milk

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
  2. Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted. Allow to cool slightly, then add to the flour mixture.
  3. Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and leave to rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Grind the walnuts in a food processor until they are finely chopped. Combine with the sugar, vanilla extract, rum, lemon zest, and raisins in a bowl.
  6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
  7. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long sides, to form a log.
  8. Place the log seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave to rise for another hour.
  9. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  10. Prepare the glaze by beating the egg with the milk. Brush this over the top of the dough log.
  11. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of nuts such as almonds or pecans instead of walnuts for the filling.
  • Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier variation.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Try using a different type of sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
  • Add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the filling for added texture and sweetness.
  • For a vegan version, replace the milk and butter in the dough with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
  • Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as cardamom or cloves, for a more unique flavor profile.
  • Add a layer of chocolate spread or Nutella on the dough before spreading the walnut filling for a chocolate twist.
  • Make individual orahnjača rolls by dividing the dough and filling into smaller portions and rolling them up individually.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the process of making traditional Serbian orahnjača, a delightful walnut roll that's perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Orahnjača is a sweet yeast bread filled with a rich, nutty filling that melts in your mouth. It's an indulgent treat that's commonly prepared for special occasions and holidays in Serbia. The recipe involves making a soft dough, preparing a sweet walnut filling, and then rolling the dough around the filling to create a beautiful spiral effect when sliced. Be prepared to invest some time in this recipe - the dough needs to rise twice, but the result is totally worth it. Once you've tried orahnjača, it's sure to become a favorite.

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
  2. Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified for active dry yeast.
  3. Can I use a different type of nuts instead of walnuts?
  4. Yes, you can use other nuts like pecans or almonds instead of walnuts if you prefer.
  5. Can I omit the rum in the filling?
  6. Yes, if you prefer not to use rum, you can simply omit it from the filling. You can replace it with an equal amount of milk or a non-alcoholic flavoring if desired.
  7. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
  8. The eggs in this recipe contribute to the texture and richness of the dough. If you prefer to make it without eggs, you can try using an egg substitute or a vegan alternative, keeping in mind that the texture and taste may be slightly different.
  9. How long does this bread stay fresh?
  10. This bread is best when consumed within 2-3 days of baking. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough and combining ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Used to heat the milk and butter for the dough.
  • Food Processor - Helpful for grinding the walnuts to the desired consistency for the filling.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the orahnjača in the oven.
  • Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Pastry Brush - Used to brush the glaze onto the dough before baking.
  • Knife - Needed for slicing the cooled orahnjača into serving portions.
  • Damp Cloth - Used to cover the dough while it rises.

Origin stories

Orahnjača, also known as walnut roll, is a beloved sweet delicacy that hails from Serbia. It is a traditional dessert that families often prepare for special occasions, especially around the holidays. Interestingly, the dessert's name, "orahnjača", literally translates to "walnut thing", which humorously underplays the rich, complex flavors and craftsmanship that go into each roll. This dessert carries with it a sense of nostalgia, as many Serbians fondly recall their grandmothers or mothers spending hours in the kitchen, grinding walnuts by hand and carefully rolling the dough to achieve perfect swirls of nutty filling. It's a testament to the warmth of Serbian hospitality, where the time and effort put into preparing food is a tangible expression of love and care for family and guests.

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.