With the holiday season around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about festive treats that will warm our hearts and delight our taste buds. One of the most beloved Polish Christmas baking traditions is making Pierogi Z Makiem, or Poppy Seed Dumplings. These delightful dumplings are a combination of soft dough filled with a sweet and nutty poppy seed mixture. Popular in Poland during the Christmas season, they are a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
**Pierogi Z Makiem (Poppy Seed Dumplings)**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1 egg
– Pinch of salt
– 1 cup ground poppy seeds
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup butter
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the warm milk and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
– Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a separate bowl, mix together the ground poppy seeds, honey, chopped nuts, and raisins until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Dumplings:**
– Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough.
– Place a small spoonful of the poppy seed filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
4. **Cook the Dumplings:**
– In a large pot of boiling water, carefully drop the dumplings in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
– Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Drizzle the melted butter over the cooked dumplings.
– Sprinkle the poppy seed dumplings with powdered sugar before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Poppy Seed Dumplings are a delightful and unique addition to your holiday baking menu. The combination of tender dough and sweet, nutty filling is sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re celebrating a Polish Christmas or simply looking to try something new this holiday season, Pierogi Z Makiem is a recipe that will bring joy to your home. Try making these traditional Polish treats and share the warmth and flavor of the holidays with your loved ones.
