Poppy Seed Filling

When I think about my childhood, I can’t help but remember the delightful aroma of freshly made Poppy Seed Filling wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen. Every holiday, she would gather us around, pulling out her old recipe books with yellowed pages, and begin the sacred ritual of preparing this sweet, nutty filling. It wasn’t just about the ingredients; it was about the stories shared, the laughter echoing off the walls, and the anticipation of the delicious pastries that would soon come. The Poppy Seed Filling was the star of the show, transforming ordinary dough into something extraordinary. I can still hear her saying, “The secret is in the poppy seeds; they hold a world of flavor that can’t be rushed.”

Ingredients You’ll Need for Poppy Seed Filling

The beauty of the Poppy Seed Filling lies in its simplicity and the synergy of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the poppy seeds bring nutty flavor and texture, while the sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness. Together with raisins and winter walnuts, they create a harmonious blend that’s utterly irresistible.

• Poppy Seeds: 1 cup
  The star ingredient, these tiny seeds are packed with flavor and nutrition. They provide a delightful crunch and a unique nutty taste that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 8 to 10 oz (about 2/3 of a 14 oz can)
  This adds a rich sweetness and creamy texture, making the filling luscious and smooth.
• Raisins: White or brown
  Optional, but they add a lovely burst of sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts with the filling beautifully.
• Finely Chopped Walnuts: Adds a nutty flavor and crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the filling.
• Meat/Food Grinder: Preferred method
  This is essential for achieving the right texture, ensuring the poppy seeds are finely ground.
• Coffee Grinder: An alternative method
  If you don’t have a meat grinder, a coffee grinder works well for small batches of poppy seeds.

Making Poppy Seed Filling

Creating your own Poppy Seed Filling is a delightful process that connects you with the rich traditions of baking. Let’s dive into the steps involved in making this delicious filling that’s bound to impress. Just follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll have a wonderful filling ready in no time!

1. Start by rinsing the poppy seeds thoroughly in a fine mesh colander. This step is crucial to remove any impurities. Once they are rinsed, drain the seeds and transfer them to a medium saucepan.
2. Add 3 cups of water to the pot with the poppy seeds. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to let it boil—just warm enough to soften the seeds. Once simmering, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the seeds to absorb the water.
3. After the first 30 minutes, return the pot to the heat and bring it back to a simmer without boiling. Again, turn off the heat and cover it for another 30 minutes. This double soaking process helps to soften the seeds even further.
4. Once the seeds have soaked, drain them well through the colander. Alternatively, you can keep the lid on and use several layers of cheesecloth to catch stray seeds. It’s a bit of a hassle, but trust me, it simplifies cleanup.
5. Now, it’s time to grind the poppy seeds. Push them through a food grinder fitted with the fine grinding plate. I find that my KitchenAid food grinder attachment works perfectly. If you’re using a coffee grinder, do it in small batches to prevent clogging. When using a meat grinder, apply firm pressure to ensure the seeds are properly ground; otherwise, they won’t break down well.
6. If any liquid has accumulated in the bowl, drain it off before proceeding. You want a thick, paste-like consistency for your filling.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine 8 to 10 ounces of sweetened condensed milk with the ground poppy seeds. I usually add about 10 ounces for a sweeter filling. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
8. If you desire, fold in some raisins for an added sweetness—this is optional depending on your recipe or personal preference.
9. Finally, store your Poppy Seed Filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. It can be made a day or two in advance!

Tips for Success

Creating the perfect Poppy Seed Filling is all about attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your filling turns out just right.

• Storage: Make sure to store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in small batches.
• Freezing: You can freeze the Poppy Seed Filling for later use. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container.
• Pairing: This filling can be used in various pastries, cakes, and even stuffed pancakes. Get creative!
• Ingredient Quality: Always use high-quality poppy seeds and sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
• Consistency Check: If your filling is too thick, you can add a bit of milk to adjust the texture without compromising flavor.
• Experimentation: Feel free to adjust the amount of raisins or nuts to suit your taste. The beauty of this filling is its versatility!

What to Serve With Poppy Seed Filling

Serving your delicious Poppy Seed Filling can be as creative as you like! Here are some delightful suggestions on how to incorporate it into your meals:

• Pastries: Use the Poppy Seed Filling to fill pastries like kolaczki, danishes, or even croissants for a delightful treat.
• Cakes: Incorporate this filling into layer cakes or as a filling for Swiss rolls to upgrade your dessert game.
• Pancakes: Spread the filling onto pancakes for a unique breakfast experience, and top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Holiday Gatherings: This filling is perfect for special occasions like Easter or Christmas. Serve it in various baked goods for a festive touch.
• Snack Pairings: Enjoy it with crackers or toast for casual snacking. It’s a great way to elevate your afternoon tea!
• Storage Tips: If you have leftover pastries filled with Poppy Seed Filling, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Poppy Seed Filling is truly a special recipe that captures the essence of comfort food. With its rich flavors and versatility, it can elevate any dessert or breakfast dish. I encourage you to try making this delightful filling at home—it’s a chance to create sweet memories in your own kitchen!

Poppy Seed Filling

The ultimate comfort food, Poppy Seed Filling is a creamy, nutty delight that brightens up any pastry or cake. Perfect for sweet treats, this easy weeknight filling is a must-try for your next baking session.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine Eastern European

Servings 2 cups

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Large Pot
• Food Processor

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Poppy Seeds
• 8 to 10 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk about 2/3 of a 14 oz can
• 1 cup Raisins white or brown, optional
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Walnuts
• 1 Meat/Food Grinder preferred method
• 1 Coffee Grinder can be milled in small batches

Instructions

 

• Rinse poppy seeds thoroughly in a fine mesh colander, then drain them and transfer to a medium sauce pan.
• Add 3 cups water to the pot. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer. (Don’t boil). Turn off. Cover with lid and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Return to a simmer (don’t boil). Turn off. Cover and let it sit for another 30 minutes.
• Drain poppy seeds well through a colander or by keeping lid on and placing several layers of cheese cloth on lid to catch stray seeds. Life is just easier when you use a fine mesh sieve.
• Push the poppy seeds through a food grinder, using the fine grinding plate. I use my KitchenAid food grinder attachment for my stand mixer. You can also use a coffee grinder and do it in smaller batches.
• Note: If using a meat grinder, you need to push firmly. The seeds won’t grind well unless they are under pressure. P.S. I’ve tried putting them through a food processor and it did not work.
• Drain off excess liquid if any has accumulated in the bowl.
• Mix 8-10 ounces of sweetened condensed milk into ground poppy seeds. I like to add 10 oz.
• Add raisins if desired (depending on the recipe you're making). Store in tupperware and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure to store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the Poppy Seed Filling for later use.
• Tip 3: This filling can be used in various pastries, cakes, and even stuffed pancakes.
• Tip 4: Always use high-quality poppy seeds and sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor.
• Tip 5: If your filling is too thick, you can add a bit of milk to adjust the texture without compromising flavor.

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