Bobalky Christmas Eve Bread
Celebrate tradition and flavor with Bobalky Christmas Eve Bread, a cherished Slovak holiday dish that combines soft, golden bread bites with the luxurious sweetness of honey and the earthy crunch of poppy seeds. This recipe begins with a tender, yeast-risen dough, baked to perfection in bite-sized pieces that are then tossed in warmed honey and infused with delicate poppy seeds for a beautifully balanced finish. Perfect for festive gatherings, this comforting dish not only honors age-old customs but also brings a touch of nostalgia to your holiday table. Whether served as a centerpiece or alongside other Christmas Eve staples, Bobalky is a delightful way to share tradition with loved ones.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Egg
- 0.25 cup Warm water
- 0.5 cup Honey
- 0.5 cup Poppy seeds
- 1 cup Boiling water
Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Let it cool until lukewarm.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt. Mix to incorporate the dry ingredients evenly.
Add the yeast mixture, lukewarm milk mixture, and the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces (about the size of walnuts). Roll them into small balls.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are not touching, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the bread is baking, prepare the poppy seed mixture by combining the poppy seeds and 1 cup of boiling water in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Once the bread has finished baking, let it cool slightly. Then, transfer the bread balls to a large bowl.
Heat the honey in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes thin and pourable.
Drizzle the honey over the bread balls, then add the drained poppy seeds. Toss gently to coat all the bread evenly.
Serve warm or at room temperature as part of your Christmas Eve meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3038 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.3 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.2 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 342 mg | 114% | |
| Sodium | 2586 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 514.8 g | 187% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 137.0 g | ||
| Protein | 73.8 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 928 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 27.4 mg | 152% | |
| Potassium | 1429 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
