Russian Easter bread

Description

This fine bread is the perfect symbol and treat for the Easter holiday.

Summary

Yield
Loaf
SourceRussian cuisine
Prep time
5 minutes
Cooking time
Total time
5 minutes

Ingredients

1 pn
saffron (threads)
2 t
salt
2 1⁄2 t
yeast (active dry yeast)
1⁄4 c
water (lukewarm)
4  
eggs (large)
1 c
milk (whole milk)
6 c
flour (all purpose flour)
1⁄2 c
sugar
3⁄4 c
butter

Instructions

  1. To prepare the dough, stir the yeast slowly into water that has been warmed to about 110°F/43°C. Add a pinch of sugar and allow to stand until it bubbles, which will take about five minutes.
  2. Pour the flour into a large bowl and make an indentation with a large spoon or soup ladle. Beat three of the eggs in another bowl and pour them gently into the flour 'valley'. Add the milk, then slowly pour on the yeast solution.
  3. Slowly stir the concoction, forming a dough. Allow it to rest for a few minutes, then move it to a floured surface and knead until it's completely smooth.
  4. Lightly coat a large bowl with a little bit of Canola oil and move the dough around in the bowl until coated. Cover with a moist towel and let the dough rise for about three hours. Press the dough down, then allow to rise again for another hour.
  5. Once it's ready, divide the dough into two separate soufflé dishes that have been smeared with butter on the interior. Divide off about 1/3 of each dish of dough and roll into long ropes. Cut into three pieces and braid the rope onto the surface of the dough mound in the dish.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
  7. Lightly brush each loaf with egg and add a pinch of salt. Bake about one hour or until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool on a rack.

Notes

Ingredients, metric  
4   large eggs  
250 ml     whole milk  
1 kg     all-purpose flour  
75 g     sugar  
50 g     butter  
pinch    saffron threads  
10 g     salt  
2 1/2 tsp    active dry yeast  
75 ml     lukewarm water  

Nutrition facts

Serving size: 1 slice, serves 24.  Percent daily values based on a 2000 calorie diet.Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.

 
Amount Per Serving      
Calories   201.27  
Calories From Fat (32%)   64.29  
    % Daily Value
Total Fat 7.24g   11%  
Saturated Fat 4.12g   21%  
Cholesterol 56.95mg   19%  
Sodium 213.11mg   9%  
Potassium 71.85mg   2%  
Carbohydrates 28.73g   10%  
Dietary Fiber 0.93g   4%  
Sugar 4.84g      
Sugar Alcohols 0.00g      
Net Carbohydrates 27.80g      
Protein 5.00g   10%