Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious traditional Ukrainian Easter bread paska? This sweet and fluffy bread is a staple in Ukrainian households during the Easter season, and for good reason. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any Easter meal, and it’s also a great gift to bring to your friends and family.
In this article, we’ll be sharing two different recipes for Ukrainian Easter bread paska that you can try out. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find these recipes easy to follow and delicious.
Recipe 1: Classic Ukrainian Easter Bread Paska
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing well after each addition.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased round cake pan.
- Cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe makes 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 356
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 121mg
- Sodium: 268mg
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 8g
Cooking Time:
This recipe takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to make, including preparation and cooking time.
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Round cake pan
- Pastry brush
- Oven
Serving Suggestions:
Ukrainian Easter bread paska is traditionally served as a dessert during Easter dinner. It can also be served as a sweet breakfast treat or as a snack with tea or coffee.
Variations:
If you want to add some extra flavor to your Ukrainian Easter bread paska, you can try adding some of the following ingredients:
- Lemon or orange zest
- Almonds or other nuts
- Candied fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
Substitutions:
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some possible substitutions you can make:
- Raisins can be substituted with currants or chopped dates.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with bread flour or whole wheat flour.
- Milk can be substituted with plant-based milk such as almond milk or soy milk.
- Butter can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
Storage:
Ukrainian Easter bread paska can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not too hot or too cold, to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which will make the bread soft and fluffy.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as near a window or on top of a warm oven, to help it rise faster.
- Brushing the top of the loaf with beaten egg will give it a shiny and golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the history behind Ukrainian Easter bread paska?
A: Ukrainian Easter bread paska has been a tradition in Ukraine for centuries. It originally symbolized the resurrection of Jesus and was often made in the shape of a cross or a lamb.
Q: Can I make Ukrainian Easter bread paska ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Ukrainian Easter bread paska a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve it.
Q: How long does it take for the dough to rise?
A: The dough should double in size in about an hour, but the rising time can vary depending on the temperature and humidity in your kitchen.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Ukrainian Easter Bread Paska
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing well after each addition.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead in the chocolate chips.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased round cake pan.
- Cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe makes 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
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