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Sweet poppy seed pasta with spices and flowers on a tray.
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet Poppy Seed Pasta

Serbian Sweet Poppy Seed Pasta, also known as Nasuvo sa Makom, is a traditional Vojvodinian dessert made with soft noodles, ground poppy seeds, and a touch of sugar. It may sound unusual, but this simple dish is packed with flavor and comfort. If you enjoy easy Balkan recipes that deliver both coziness and a surprise, this one is worth trying.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Serbian
Servings: 4 small portions
Calories: 400kcal
Author: Nataša

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Coffe grinder (or traditional poppy seed grinder)

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (for pasta)
  • 3 ½ oz poppy seed
  • 4 tablespoon cane sugar
  • 1 vanilla sugar
  • 5 tablespoon milk (hot)

Garnish

  • Orange zest (or lemon zest)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it generously with coarse sea salt. Add the pasta and give it a quick stir to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, then drain using a colander. Return the pasta to the pot and set aside.
    8 oz pasta
    1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • Prepare the Poppy Seed Mixture: While the pasta cooks, grind the poppy seeds in a coffee or spice grinder until they are finely ground and fragrant, achieving a paste-like texture. In a small saucepan, mix the ground poppy seeds, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add the hot milk and stir until smooth and well combined.
    3 ½ oz poppy seed
    4 tablespoon cane sugar
    1 vanilla sugar
    5 tablespoon milk
  • Combine and Mix: Pour the warm poppy seed mixture over the cooked pasta. Stir gently until the noodles are evenly coated and the mixture is fully incorporated.
  • Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately in individual portions. Finish each serving with a bit of freshly grated orange zest for added brightness.
    Orange zest

Notes

  • Always grind poppy seeds before using, as whole seeds will taste bland and gritty.
  • Best served warm or at room temperature for a full-flavored experience.
  • Use pasta shapes that hold the poppy seed mixture well, such as tagliatelle or ridged short pasta.
  • Leftovers dry out quickly, so store them in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat with a splash of milk to soften.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 1761mg | Potassium: 336mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 394mg | Iron: 3mg