As I write this I am Lithuania and I thought it would be nice to post something Lithuanian to make for Christmas. Kūčiukai (Lithuanian Christmas Eve biscuits) are very traditional, but they might not be to everybody’s taste. Some might find them too bland but they are definitely fun to make, so please give them a chance! If you are trying to imagine what they taste like imagine a small breadstick but with poppy seeds in them. They are usually served soaked in poppy seed “milk” but can be eaten as a snack. Interested? Then read on 😉
KŪČIUKAI
- 500g plain flour
- 7g dry fast acting yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg, whisked
- 250ml milk (lukewarm)
1. Mix all the ingredients and form it into a dough. Kneed the dough for at least 5 min.
2. Form the dough into a ball and place it into a bowl. Cover it with cling film and place it somewhere warm for an hour or so. When the dough has risen (at least doubled in size) then punch it to “deflate” it and cover it to proof for another half an hour.
3. Once the final proofing is done shape the dough into sausage shapes and slice them into small bits (about 1cm in size).
4. Bake these in preheated 190C oven for 5-7 min until slightly golden but not brown.
I must admit, this recipe is slightly naughty! Traditionally Lithuanians don’t eat any dairy or meat during Christmas eve and this recipe certainly has some milk and eggs. If you want to try you can soak these in poppy seed “milk”. To make the “milk” just soak some poppy seeds in sweetened water and mash them with a mortar and pestle. The water should turn slightly white and milk like.
Enjoy! Rasa 😉
