01/08/2026
We’re delighted to be part of .ukraine Ukrainian Independence Day project, Ukraine on a Plate.
For this special project, we’ve chosen one of Ukraine’s most beloved bakes-Poppy Seed Buns (Пиріжки з маком).
Made with our signature 12-hour cold-fermented dough and a rich filling of poppy seeds, honey, butter, and candied orange peel, they’re soft, fragrant, and rooted in Ukrainian tradition.
✨ The full recipe is below if you’d like to bake them at home.
✨ Prefer to leave the baking to us? Order our freshly baked Poppy Seed Buns from the payava.co.uk from 3rd August.
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RECIPE
Dough
Ingredients:
* 500g strong bread flour
* 250g cold milk
* 1 egg
* 120g sugar
* 9g salt
* 12.5g fresh yeast (or 4–4.5g active dry yeast)
* 60g unsalted butter, softened
Mix all the ingredients, then knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and refrigerate overnight (approximately 12 hours).
The slow cold fermentation develops a deeper flavour while creating an exceptionally soft, light crumb.
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Poppy Seed Filling
Ingredients:
* 200g blue poppy seeds
* 800ml water (for rinsing and boiling)
* 180g whole milk
* 130g sugar
* 40g honey
* 40g unsalted butter
* 70g candied orange peel
Rinse the poppy seeds until the water runs clear, then simmer for 30 minutes and drain well. Blend or grind until fine. Add the milk, sugar, honey and butter, then cook over a low heat for 35–40 minutes, stirring regularly. Cool completely before folding in the candied orange peel.
The filling should be thick, smooth and easy to shape.
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Shaping
1. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 40–60 minutes.
2. Divide into 60–70g portions and shape into balls.
3. Cover and rest for 15–20 minutes.
4. Roll each ball into an oval.
5. Add a generous spoonful of filling.
6. Seal well and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.
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Final Proof
Proof at 25–27°C for 60–90 minutes, until noticeably puffed.
Brush gently with beaten egg before baking.
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Bake
* 160°C fan oven
* 170°C conventional oven
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until evenly golden brown.
