Springtime in Russia is a time of renewal and rebirth, celebrated with colorful traditions and delicious food. One of the most important holidays is Easter, which marks the end of the long Russian winter and the beginning of a new season of growth and vitality.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular Russian Easter traditional foods, and share some mouth-watering recipes that you can make at home. From sweet bread to savory pies, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and help you celebrate the season in style.
Recipe 1: Russian Easter Bread (Kulich)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup candied fruit
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm water and stir to combine, then add the warm milk and stir again.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat with an electric mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Add the raisins, candied fruit, and chopped almonds, and stir to combine.
- Grease a large, round baking tin or a tall tin with butter and pour in the dough.
- Cover the tin with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for at least 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the kulich for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool the kulich on a wire rack and serve it with sweetened whipped cream or frosting.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe) Calories: 327 Total Fat: 11.5g Saturated Fat: 5.5g Cholesterol: 77mg Sodium: 259mg Total Carbohydrates: 50.1g Dietary Fiber: 1.2g Sugars: 28.6g Protein: 6.9g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Rising Time: 2 hours Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl, electric mixer, greased baking tin, clean kitchen towel, wire rack.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the kulich with sweetened whipped cream or frosting for a delicious Easter treat. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an extra special touch.
Variations:
You can customize the kulich recipe by adding different types of dried fruit, nuts, or spices. Try adding chopped apricots, cranberries, or walnuts for a tasty twist.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have candied fruit, you can substitute it with dried fruit or fresh fruit. You can also replace the blanched almonds with other types of nuts, such as pistachios or cashews.
Storage:
Store the kulich in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe, as this will help the dough rise more easily.
- Be patient when letting the dough rise – it’s important to give it enough time to double in size before baking.
- If you don’t have a large enough baking tin, you can divide the dough into smaller tins or use muffin tins to make individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the origin of kulich?
- Kulich is a traditional Russian Easter bread that dates back to ancient times. It was originally made with honey and dried fruits, and was a symbol of the renewal of life and the end of the long winter.
- Can I make kulich without a mixer?
- Yes, you can make kulich by hand if you don’t have an electric mixer. Simply mix the dough with a wooden spoon or your hands until it’s smooth and elastic.
Recipe 2: Savory Easter Pie (Paskha)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. farmer’s cheese, drained
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the farmer’s cheese, sour cream, butter, sugar, raisins, slivered almonds, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt.
- Mix the ingredients with an electric mixer until they are well blended and smooth.
- Add the eggs and mix again until they are fully incorporated.
- Grease a large, round baking tin or a tall tin with butter and pour in the cheese mixture.
- Cover the tin with a clean kitchen towel and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it has set.
- Once the paskha has set, remove it from the tin and decorate it with additional almonds and raisins, if desired.
- Chill the paskha until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe) Calories: 278 Total Fat: 21.5g Saturated Fat: 12.5g Cholesterol: 101mg Sodium: 167mg Total Carbohydrates: 13.1g Dietary Fiber: 0.5g Sugars: 10.7g Protein: 8.7g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Chilling Time: 2 hours
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl, electric mixer, greased baking tin, clean kitchen towel, wire rack.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the paskha with fresh berries or fruit for a light and refreshing dessert. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine or champagne.
Variations:
You can customize the paskha recipe by adding different types of nuts or dried fruit. Try adding chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or chopped figs for a delicious twist.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have farmer’s cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Storage:
Store the paskha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to drain the farmer’s cheese well before using it in the recipe, as this will help the paskha set properly.
- If you don’t have slivered almonds, you can use chopped almonds or other types of nuts instead.
- You can decorate the paskha with additional almonds and raisins, or with fresh berries or fruit, for an extra special touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is paskha?
- Paskha is a traditional Russian Easter dessert that is made with farmer’s cheese and sour cream. It’s typically served chilled and decorated with nuts and raisins.
- Can I make paskha without raisins?
- Yes, you can make paskha without raisins if you prefer. You can also substitute them with other types of dried fruit, such as chopped apricots or cranberries.
Conclusion
Russian Easter traditional food is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and gather with loved ones. Whether you choose to make kulich or paskha, or both, these delicious recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and bring a smile to