Paska Bread
This classic Polish egg bread boasts a delightful lightness and a subtly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
For the Sponge
- 2 (25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 3 cups warm milk
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Dough
- 6 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 12 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Proof the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl until slightly frothy.
- In the meantime, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in the warm milk; allow to cool to lukewarm. Once cooled, add the milk mixture to the yeast mixture along with 4 cups of flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Cover and put in a dark, warm place until the mixture is bubbly and doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- Stir in the beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup butter, salt, and lemon peel. Stir well to blend. Begin adding the remaining flour a cup at a time to form a very soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured board until soft and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Punch dough down and allow to rise again for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into three parts and shape into slightly rounded loaves, and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water: brush onto loaves.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bake in preheated oven until loaves are deep brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Once they are done, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust.
Notes
- You can use orange peel in place of the lemon zest if you prefer.
- This recipe can be shaped into three large loaves or six small ones. If you make small loaves, check them after about 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 98gProtein: 16gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 161mgPotassium: 225mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14gCalcium: 79mgIron: 6mg
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