Best 2 Traditional Croatian Povitica Recipes

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Povitica is a traditional Croatian pastry that is a beloved dessert enjoyed for generations. This delectable treat consists of a rich, swirled filling enveloped in a soft, fluffy dough. The filling is typically made with povidla, a thick plum jam, but can also incorporate various fillings like walnuts, poppy seeds, or chocolate. Baking povitica is an art form that requires patience and skill. The intricate process involves creating the dough, rolling it out, and swirling the filling before baking it to perfection. The result is a visual masterpiece with a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether served at special occasions or as a comforting treat, povitica holds a special place in Croatian culinary history and continues to captivate taste buds across generations.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

AMAZING TRADITIONAL CROATIAN POVITICA



Amazing Traditional Croatian Povitica image

This bread is very popular in the Kansas City area where most people buy it instead of making it. Since I'm moving from the area I looked up recipes for it and found this one from Phyllis at rootsweb.com I've modified it a bit and added more filling suggestions at the end. I'm posting this in reponse to a request on the boards.

Provided by Mysterygirl

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 4h

Yield 2 loaves, 20-24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb finely ground walnuts
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 package dry yeast
2 tablespoons warm water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water
2 eggs, beaten
5 cups flour

Steps:

  • Combine filling ingredients in a heavy saucepan.
  • Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture for about 30 minutes or until the mixture is fairly thick (remember this will be the filling inside the bread and it shouldn't be runny) Let cool.
  • In a large heated bowl, combine yeast, warm water.
  • and 1/2 tsp.
  • sugar.
  • Stir until yeast is dissolved.
  • Set in a warm place for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
  • Combine 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter and salt.
  • Add boiling water, stir and cool until lukewarm.
  • Add this mixture to yeast.
  • Stir in beaten eggs and add flour gradually.
  • Turn out onto a floured board and knead about 5 minutes.
  • Do not over flour this it should be softer than regular bread dough.
  • Place in a greased bowl, cover and set in a warm place to rise until double in bulk.
  • Put dough in center of a lightly floured work table and roll out as thin as possible with a rolling pin, maintaining a square or rectangle shape.
  • The thinner you are able to roll the dough the better this will turn out.
  • Spread the pulled dough evenly with the prepared.
  • filling.
  • Roll up the povitica as for a jelly roll.
  • Cut roll in half and place each half into a greased bread pan two inches deep and form it into an"S" shape.
  • Tuck in the ends and flatten it a little.
  • Cover and let raise for 2-1/2 hours in a warm place.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375° for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350° for 50 minutes until nicely browned.
  • Cool in pan for 30 minutes then remove from pan.
  • and finish cooling on wire rack.
  • alternate fillings could be your favorite fruit cooked down with sugar into almost a jam, cream cheese mixed with egg and powdered sugar or even your favorite pumpkin pie filling.

TRADITIONAL CROATIAN POVITICA



Traditional Croatian Povitica image

This is our family recipe as dictated to me by my Great-Aunt. We have this every year during Easter and Christmas.

Provided by Chef Original Momma

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 5h

Yield 10-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb finely ground walnuts
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
0.5 (1 lb) box raisins
1 fresh yeast cake
2 tablespoons warm water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water
2 eggs, beaten
5 cups flour

Steps:

  • Combine filling ingredients except raisins in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture is fairly thick (about 30 minutes). Set aside to cool.
  • In a large heated bowl, combine yeast, warm water and 1/2 tsp sugar; stir until yeast is dissolved. Set in a warm place for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
  • Combine 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter and salt. Add boiling water; stir and cool until lukewarm. Add this mixture to yeast.
  • Stir in beaten eggs and add flour gradually.
  • Turn out onto a floured board and knead about 5 minutes. This will be softer than bread dough. Place in a greased bowl; cover and set in a warm place to rise until double in bulk.
  • Method for rolling out dough: Cover a work table with a large cotton dish towel or a cloth large enough to cover the entire table. Sprinkle cloth lightly with flour all over the cloth. Put dough in center and roll out as thin as possible with a rolling pin, maintaining a square or rectangle shape.
  • Spread the pulled dough evenly with the prepared filling.
  • Sprinkle with raisins.
  • Roll up the povitica as for a jelly roll, by lifting the cloth up on one side and letting the dough roll itself up.
  • Place in a large greased baking pan, two inches deep and form it into an "S" shape. Tuck in the ends and flatten it a little. This may also be cut in half and baked in angel food cake pans or bread pans.
  • Cover and let raise for 2-1/2 hours in a warm place.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 50 minutes until nicely browned.
  • Cool in pan for 30 minutes then remove from pan and finish cooling on wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 956.5, Fat 43.3, SaturatedFat 10.5, Cholesterol 115.8, Sodium 356.9, Carbohydrate 133, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 73, Protein 18.5

### **Summary** - Povitica is a traditional Croatian pastry that is typically served during the Christmas season. - It is made with a sweet yeast bread that is filled with a variety of fillings, such as walnuts, poppy seeds, and lekvar (a plum butter). - Povitica is often braided or twisted before it is baked, and it is traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. - The exact origins of povitica are unknown, but it is thought to have been brought to Croatia by the Romans. - Povitica is a popular dessert in Croatia and is often served at special events, such as weddings and baptisms. - It is also a popular gift to give to friends and family during the Christmas season. ### **General tips for making povitica:** - Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final product. - Make sure the yeast is fresh. Old yeast will not activate properly and will not cause the bread to rise. - Knead the bread well. This will help to develop the gluten and make the bread more chewy. - Let the bread rise in a warm place. This will help it to rise quickly and evenly. - Bake the bread until it is golden brown. This will ensure that it is fully baked through. - Let the bread cool completely before slicing it. This will help to prevent it from crumbling. ### **Conclusion** Povitica is a delicious and festive pastry that is perfect for any special occasion. With a little planning and effort, you can make povitica at home that is just as good as what you would find in a bakery. So why not give it a try? Your family and friends will be sure to love it!

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