Reconnecting with Lithuanian traditions, especially around Christmas, can be a beautiful way to feel closer to your roots. Poppy Seed Milk, or Aguonų pienas, is a classic drink that's both easy to make and full of nostalgic flavor. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that brings a touch of Lithuanian Christmas right to your table.
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Traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve Recipe: Aguonų Pienas
Aguonų Pienas, Agpuonpienis, or Poppy Seed Milk, is a cherished part of Lithuanian Christmas Eve celebrations. This dairy-free drink, which can easily be made vegan, has its roots in ancient pagan traditions. Poppy seeds were believed to symbolize the return of the sun and the promise of longer, lighter days ahead (Christmas Eve is the shortest day of the year in Lithuania).
On Christmas Eve, this drink (alongside Cranberry Kissel or Oat Kissel) holds a special place at the table, either enjoyed on its own or as a cold, sweet soup made by dropping traditional Lithuanian poppy seed cookies into the milk. It is also an ingredient in Kūčia.
Lithuanians hold many magical beliefs about Christmas Eve, considering it a night when miracles can happen. Poppy seeds, containing trace amounts of opiates, might have contributed to these mystical associations.
It’s said that drinking poppy seed milk not only has a calming effect and enhances sleep quality but also leads to dreams that can predict the future. So, by making and enjoying Aguonų Pienas, you’re not just savoring a delicious tradition – you’re also participating in a rich cultural heritage that promises warmth, hope, and a touch of magic!
Ingredient Notes
- black poppy seeds: while white poppy seeds are not typically used in Lithuanian cuisine, let me know if they work if you try this substitute.
- cold water + hot water.
- honey: can be replaced with sugar or maple syrup.
- salt: optional and not always used, but I personally like adding it to balance the sweet and nutty flavours.
Optional Extras: If you fancy a modern twist on this traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve recipe, feel free to add a drop of almond extract or vanilla bean paste into the mix! Green cardamom is also a great addition.
Step-By-Step Recipe
Whilst Aguonpienis is traditionally made in a pestle and mortar and strained through muslin cloths, we are sharing an easy homemade version that utilizes a food processor or a smoothie maker!
1. The evening before you want to drink your poppy seed milk, place poppy seeds in a small bowl. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the seeds, cover and soak poppy seeds overnight.
2. The next morning, drain the soaked poppy seeds, rinse them with cold water and let them drain again.
3. Then place them in a smoothie maker or a small food processor. Pour ¼ cup of the water in, and grind poppy seeds for 30-60 seconds, until the mixture turns white.
4. Add the rest of the water (1 cup) and blitz again for 30 seconds.
5. Strain the poppy seed milk through a fine sieve (you may need to do it twice if you have lots of poppy seed residue getting through a sieve).
6. Rinse the bowl of your smoothie maker/ food processor. Pour the milk back into, add the sugar and salt and blitz again until combined.
The poppy seed solids can either be discarded or used to make the oldest Lithuanian Christmas Eve dish, known as Kūčia.
How To Serve Poppy Milk?
Lithuanian poppy seed milk is served cold or at room temperature. It is typically enjoyed alongside Kuciukai - traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve cookies. There are two ways you can enjoy this combination:
- Serve Poppy Milk as a drink with cookies alongside, or
- Serve both together in a bowl with a spoon and eat it as a soup! It may sound stage at first, but people love dunking their cookies in tea, right? This is not that much different!
- On Christmas Day, enjoy leftovers with some Gingerbread Cookies with Orange Icing.
Storage
Store poppyseed milk in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days. It should not be left out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. It should not be frozen either.
Recipe FAQs
What Can I Do With Ground Poppy Seeds? I Don't Want To Waste Them.
You can use it as poppy seed filling to make delicious Lithuanian Poppy Seed Buns. Alternatively, you can place them in a small saucepan with hot milk and heat it for a few minutes until the milk infuses with any leftover poppy seed flavour. Such warm milk is believed by some Lithuanians to promote better sleep.
More Lithuanian Christmas Recipes
Poppy Seed Milk (Lithuanian Christmas Eve Drink)
Equipment
- Smoothie Maker or Food Processor
- Fine Sieve
Ingredients
- ½ cup (70g) poppy seeds
- 1¼ cup (290 ml) cold water + hot water for soaking
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ⅛ teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
- The evening before you want to drink your poppy seed milk, place poppy seeds in a small bowl. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the seeds, cover and leave to soak overnight.
- The next morning, drain the poppy seeds, rinse them with cold water and let them drain again.
- Then place them in a smoothie maker or a small food processor. Pour ¼ cup of the water in, and blitz everything for 30-60 seconds, until the mixture turns white.
- Add the rest of the water (1 cup) and blitz again for 30 seconds.
- strain the poppy seed milk through a fine sieve (you may need to do it twice if you have lots of poppy seed residue getting through a sieve).
- Rinse the bowl of your smoothie maker/ food processor. Pour the milk back into, add the sugar and salt and blitz again until combined.
- Poppy seed milk is best enjoyed chilled with Lithuanian Christmas Cookies. Make sure to shake/ stir the poppy seed milk before pouring it into a glass.
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