Easter is a time of joy, renewal, and celebration. One of the most beloved traditions in Ukraine is baking Easter bread, also known as Paska. This delicious bread is rich in flavor and history, and it’s the perfect addition to any Easter table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe for Ukrainian Easter bread is sure to impress your family and friends.
Recipe #1: Traditional Ukrainian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 packet active dry yeast
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm to the touch. Add the yeast and sugar, and stir until dissolved. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. Mix well.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Add the raisins, walnuts, and candied fruit to the dough, and knead until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a round baking pan or a Paska mold with butter or cooking spray.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan or mold, and smooth out the top. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven, and let it cool in the pan or mold for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the bread)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Round baking pan or Paska mold
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Ukrainian Easter bread warm or at room temperature, with butter, honey, or jam. It’s also delicious with a cup of tea or coffee.
Variations:
You can customize this recipe by adding or substituting different ingredients, such as:
- Dried cranberries or cherries instead of raisins
- Almonds or pecans instead of walnuts
- Diced dried apricots or figs instead of candied fruit
- Orange blossom water or rose water instead of vanilla extract
Substitutions:
If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, you can use these substitutions:
- Whole milk or half-and-half instead of milk
- Granulated sugar or honey instead of sugar
- Margarine or vegetable shortening instead of butter
- Active fresh yeast instead of active dry yeast
Storage:
You can store the Easter bread at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or in a zip-top freezer bag. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Tips:
- Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot, so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
- Use softened butter for easier mixing and kneading.
- Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the raisins, nuts, and fruit, or they might break apart.
- Don’t skip the rising time, or the bread won’t be fluffy and airy.
- Don’t open the oven door too often while the bread is baking, or it might collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the meaning of the Ukrainian Easter bread?
A: The Ukrainian Easter bread, or Paska, is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection, and it’s usually decorated with religious motifs, such as crosses or braids.
Q: Can I make the Ukrainian Easter bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the bread a day or two ahead of time, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, so it doesn’t dry out.
Recipe #2: Sweet and Savory Ukrainian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked ham
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 packet active dry yeast
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps as Recipe #1, but omit the candied fruit and substitute it with chopped ham, bacon, green onions, and dill.
- Use half of the raisins and walnuts for the sweet version, and the other half for the savory version.
- Divide the dough in half, and shape one half into a round loaf, and the other half into a rectangle or braid.
- Place the round loaf in a greased pan, and the rectangle or braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake them at the same temperature and time as Recipe #1, until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size