Easter is a special time in Ukraine, and it’s a time for family, friends, and delicious food. The traditional Ukrainian Easter dinner is a feast that includes many dishes, from appetizers to desserts. In this blog post, we’re going to share with you two mouth-watering recipes for the traditional Ukrainian Easter dinner that will make your taste buds dance!
Recipe 1: Ukrainian Easter Bread (Paska)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add the salt and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Add the flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the raisins and mix well.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased round baking pan. Brush the egg yolk over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
- Let it cool and serve.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 206mg
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Saucepan
- Large bowl
- Floured surface
- Greased bowl
- Round baking pan
Serving Suggestions
Ukrainian Easter bread (Paska) is traditionally served at Easter dinner. It can be served with butter, honey or jam.
Variations
You can add different dried fruits, such as cranberries or chopped apricots, to the bread dough. You can also sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top of the bread before baking.
Substitutions
You can use margarine instead of butter. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage
Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
The bread dough should be kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. This will ensure that the bread is light and fluffy.
Notes
Ukrainian Easter bread (Paska) is a traditional Easter dish in Ukraine. It is usually made on Holy Saturday and served on Easter Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ukrainian Easter bread?
Ukrainian Easter bread symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The bread is usually decorated with symbols such as crosses, braids, and flowers.
Recipe 2: Ukrainian Easter Cheese (Paskha)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs dry cottage cheese
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, butter, and sugar until well combined.
- Add the heavy cream, almonds, raisins, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Line a paskha mold or a cheesecloth-lined colander with a clean cloth. Spoon the cheese mixture into the mold or colander.
- Place the mold or colander over a bowl and put a weight on top of the cheese mixture. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Unmold the paskha onto a serving plate and decorate it with additional almonds and raisins.
- Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Paskha mold or cheesecloth-lined colander
- Clean cloth
- Bowl
- Weight
- Serving plate
Serving Suggestions
Ukrainian Easter cheese (Paskha) is traditionally served at Easter dinner. It can be served with fresh fruit or on top of a slice of Ukrainian Easter bread (Paska).
Variations
You can add different dried fruits and nuts to the cheese mixture, such as chopped apricots, pistachios, or walnuts. You can also add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the mixture for a boozy twist.
Substitutions
You can use ricotta cheese instead of dry cottage cheese. You can also use non-dairy butter and heavy cream substitutes if you are vegan or lactose intolerant.
Storage
Wrap the paskha in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
The cheese mixture should be well mixed and packed tightly into the mold or colander. This will ensure that the paskha is firm and holds its shape.
Notes
Ukrainian Easter cheese (Paskha) is a traditional Easter dish in Ukraine. It is usually made on Holy Saturday and served on Easter Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ukrainian Easter cheese?
Ukrainian Easter cheese symbolizes the purity and renewal of the Easter season. It is usually shaped like a pyramid or a dome, which represents the shape of Christ’s tomb.
Conclusion
The traditional Ukrainian Easter dinner is a feast that celebrates family, friends, and delicious food. Ukrainian Easter bread (Paska) and Ukrainian Easter cheese (Paskha) are two must-have dishes for any Easter dinner. These recipes are easy to make and will impress your guests. So why not give them a try this Easter?