Poppy-seed flower loaf on cloud-soft yeast dough

Ingredients

• warm kefir – 300 ml
• dried yeast – 1 tbsp
• salt – a pinch
• egg – 1 pc
• butter – 20 g
• sunflower oil – 2 tbsp
• plain flour – 500 g
• sugar – 2 tbsp
• poppy-seed filling – 300 g

Method

1. Step 1

   The dough is straightforward. Everything should be warm, and the butter melted.

2. Step 2

   Stir the dry ingredients into the flour: salt, sugar, vanilla sugar and yeast.

3. Step 3

   Beat in the egg and the butter. Pour in the warm kefir (30–40°C) and bring it together with a spoon, then with your hands, into a soft dough. It may be a little sticky. Add 1 tablespoon of olive or sunflower oil and knead briefly. Grease the rising bowl with another tablespoon of oil, put the dough in, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for 40–50 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Knock back the risen, airy dough, roll it into a sausage and divide into 4 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball.

   
5. Step 5

   Roll a ball into a circle about 26 cm across. Lift the first round onto baking parchment (you can set that straight on the tray). Shape the flower on the paper.

   
6. Step 6

   Spread poppy-seed filling over the dough. I use ready-made; or mix ground poppy seeds with sugar and butter.

   
7. Step 7

   Roll the next ball and lay it on top. Spread filling again, then another round. Do not fill the last layer — divide the filling into 3 and leave the top clean.

8. Step 8

   Set a glass or cup in the centre and press lightly so the middle is marked. You will not need the glass after that.

   
9. Step 9

   Cut through all the layers, leaving the centre intact: first into 4, then each piece in half, then in half again — 16 segments.

10. Step 10

    Take two neighbouring segments and twist twice in opposite directions; pinch the ends and tuck them under. Repeat with each pair — you should have 8 petals. Prove 20–30 minutes.

    
11. Step 11

    Brush the top with egg beaten with a fork and bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes, until it is as browned as you like.

    
12. Step 12

    A fragrant, handsome loaf. Enjoy.

    
13. Step 13

    A fragrant, beautiful pie will definitely be appreciated! Bon appetit!