Rustic Ukrainian Bublik with Poppy Seeds

Name: Rustic Ukrainian Bublik with Poppy Seeds
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 bubliks
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Active dry yeast; Warm water; Sugar; Salt; Water; Sugar; Egg white, beaten; Poppy seeds

Delightful Eastern European Bread Rings

Homemade bubliks are a delightful Eastern European bread commonly enjoyed as a snack. Their chewy texture and poppy seed topping make them a delicious complement to both sweet and savory dishes.

2 h 30 min
8 bubliks
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour

4 cups

Active dry yeast

1 packet (1/4 oz)

Warm water

1 1/2 cups (110°F or 43°C)

Sugar

2 tbsp

Salt

1 tsp

For the Boiling Water

Water

2 quarts

Sugar

1 tbsp

For the Toppings

Egg white, beaten

Poppy seeds

1/3 cup

Preparation

Preparing the Dough

Activate yeast

Dissolve the yeast and 2 tbsp of sugar in the warm water. Allow it to rest until frothy, about 5 minutes.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then mix in the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

First rise

Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Ensure the dough rises in a warm place for the best texture.

Shaping the Bubliks

Portion dough

Punch the dough down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Shape rings

Shape each piece into a ball, then use your fingers to poke a hole in the center and stretch to form rings.

Rest shaped bubliks

Place shaped bubliks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rest for 15 minutes.

Do not over-handle the dough after shaping to maintain airiness.

Cooking Process

Boil bubliks

Bring 2 quarts of water and 1 tbsp sugar to a boil in a large pot. Boil each bublik for 1 minute on each side.

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Bake with toppings

Brush each bublik with the beaten egg white and sprinkle generously with poppy seeds. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Plating & Serving