Polish Poppy Seed Filling Recipe - Polish Foodies (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak poppy seeds in milk? ›

Before you begin a recipe using poppyseeds (or poppy seeds), soak them in hot milk, water or oil from the recipe, or grind them before using. Soaking softens their tough outer coating, so that their unique flavoring compounds could be more easily released by baking temperatures.

It's important to soak the poppy seeds in boiling water before grinding them. This will help soften them, making them easier to grind, and will help take away some of their bitterness. Strain them really well after they've soaked. I like to use a mesh sieve lined with coffee filters, but cheesecloth works great, too.

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.

Bitterness in poppy seeds is a known problem, especially with the ground ones, due to their high oil content. Store them in the freezer, like nuts, to keep them from going rancid.

At least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before making the batter, stir the poppy seeds into 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water (this step softens the poppy seeds so they are more digestible). Let sit at room temperature. Then strain. In a bowl, whisk or sift the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Opium Poppy is effective in inducing sleep. Known to create a calming effect, the seeds help in bringing down stress levels. They can be consumed in the form of tea or made into a paste and mixed with warm milk to enjoy a blessed slumber. Also, read 4 ways to treat insomnia.

The high oil content could have made the poppy seeds go rancid, and the cooking might have brought out the oils, highlighting that taste. Also to note, the website you link to mentions bitterness found in lower quality product.

Most coffee grinders usually grind well, coffee beans. However, back in the 1920's and 30's it was exclusively used for grinding poppy seeds and sugar to make poppy seed bread.

Odor: Poppy seeds should have a nutty scent. A rancid or sour smell indicates spoilage due to high oil content. Discoloration: Seeds that have changed color or have become discolored may be bad.

The poppy seed for fillings are best when they are finely and freshly ground because this will make a big difference in the pastry filling's texture and taste.

How long to grind poppy seeds? ›

It takes small amounts (like 2 tbsp at a time) of poppy seeds and grinds them into powder in 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients: Corn syrup, poppyseeds, sugar, water, modified corn starch, salt, vanilla extract, spices, and citric acid. Allergens: Made in a facility that processes peanuts and other nuts. This item contains bioengineered ingredients.

Refrigerator: To keep poppy seed filling on hand for up to 5 days, store it in a sealable canning jar or airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it from absorbing any lingering smells in the fridge and will also keep it from drying out.

For the most part, blue and black poppy seeds are the same in flavor and usage, despite the slight color difference. White poppy seeds are used more as a thickening agent in Middle Eastern cuisine, where as blue or black poppy seeds are used for flavoring and/or decorating breads and pastries.

The main differences are: Size: Black poppy seeds are slightly smaller. Flavor: black has a nuttier flavor; white is milder. Usage: black for savory, white for baked goods and desserts.

Unwashed poppy seeds are widely available online and through private websites. Washed and processed poppy seeds are used in foods to make pastries, cakes, porridge, and glaze.