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: Baking
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 40