World Flavors Cookbook

Potica (Nut Roll)

The most iconic Slovenian festive cake — a yeast-dough roll filled with a rich walnut paste, often served during Easter and Christmas.

Cuisine: Slovenia

Ingredients

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 30g fresh yeast
• 200ml warm milk
• 100g butter, melted
• 3 egg yolks
• 50g sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Walnut Filling:
• 400g ground walnuts
• 150g sugar
• 100ml milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 100g raisins
• Grated lemon zest
• Rum or vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast sponge with milk, yeast, and sugar. Let rise for 15 minutes.
2. Mix flour, yolks, melted butter, salt, and the sponge. Knead into a smooth dough. Let rise until doubled (about 1.5 hours).
3. Prepare filling: Scald walnuts with hot milk, then mix with sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and lemon zest.
4. Roll out the dough very thin on a floured cloth.
5. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough.
6. Roll tightly into a cylinder and place in a greased bundt pan (traditionally a "potičnik").
7. Let rise again for 45 minutes.
8. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 50-60 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool completely before slicing.