Description
This traditional Croatian walnut roll, known as Orahnaca, features a rich walnut filling with hints of rum and lemon zest, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 oz (30 g) fresh yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/5 cup (50 ml) warm milk
- 3 1/2 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup (50 g) butter, melted
- 1/8 cup (30 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup (100 g) ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tbsp rum
- 1/4 cup (40 g) raisins
- 1 egg yolk, for brushing
Instructions
- Crumble the fresh yeast into a bowl with warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. Mix well and let rise for 15 minutes, covered with a clean kitchen towel, until frothy.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour with a pinch of salt, melted butter, and 1/8 cup sugar. Add the yeast mixture, 1/2 cup milk, egg, and lemon zest. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- For the filling, combine ground walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup milk, rum, and raisins in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from one end to form a log.
- Place the roll seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush the roll with beaten egg yolk. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with milk or coffee.
Notes
This roll is traditionally served during Easter and Christmas. It pairs well with milk or coffee. You can substitute poppy seeds for walnuts if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 40