Ukrainian Easter Paska: Heavenly Cross-Adorned Bread Recipe

Ukrainian Easter Paska Recipe 🇺🇦🐣

Overview:

Ukrainian Easter Paska is a traditional round-shaped Easter bread, exquisitely rich in flavor and texture, far surpassing the ordinary bread varieties. Its significance goes beyond culinary delight; it’s a symbol of Easter festivities, adorned with intricate dough ornaments, with a central motif typically being a cross. This bread holds a special place in Ukrainian Easter traditions, as it is taken to church in a beautifully decorated basket along with other Easter foods, to be blessed by the priest amidst the resonating choir hymns proclaiming “Christ is risen.”

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture:

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   • In a medium bowl, combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm water (100° to 110°).
   • Mix until smooth and let it sit until the mixture becomes bubbly, around 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Make the Sponge:

   • Add 4 cups of flour and milk to the yeast mixture.
   • Mix well with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined.
   • Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise at room temperature until double in size, about 30 minutes.

3. Prepare Dough:

   • In the bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat 3 eggs, 8 egg yolks, and sugar until light and pale yellow, approximately 5 minutes.
   • Add the sponge mixture to the beaten eggs and sugar.
   • Incorporate salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, orange zest, rum or brandy, melted butter, and vegetable oil.
   • Whisk on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined.

4. Knead and Rise:

   • Switch to the dough hook attachment on the mixer and gradually add enough of the remaining 8 cups of flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
   • Transfer the dough to a clean work surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a large bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot away from drafts until double in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.

5. Shape and Decorate:

   • After the dough has doubled in size, set aside one-third of the dough in a separate bowl, covered with plastic wrap for decorations.
   • Divide the remaining two-thirds of the dough evenly between two buttered 9-inch saucepans.
   • Allow the dough in the saucepans and the reserved dough to rise for about 30 minutes.
   • Shape the reserved dough into desired motifs (crosses, rosettes, birds, etc.) on a clean work surface, keeping unused dough covered to prevent drying.

6. Attach Decorative Motifs:

   • Brush the surface of the risen dough in the saucepans with lightly beaten egg whites.
   • Attach the decorative dough ornaments using toothpicks to secure them to the loaves.
   • Allow the dough to rise until it almost reaches the top of the pans, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

7. Glaze and Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of water for the glaze.
   • Brush the egg mixture onto the surface of the loaves.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for an additional 50 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the Paska to cool in the pans for 30 minutes.
   • Carefully remove the Paska from the pans and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
   • Enjoy your Ukrainian Easter Paska with loved ones during Easter celebrations!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 4618.4
• Fat: 150.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 54.2g
• Cholesterol: 1629.9mg
• Sodium: 684.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 670.4g
  • Fiber: 24.1g
  • Sugar: 76.8g
• Protein: 122.9g

Yield:

• Makes two 9-inch round loaves.

Celebrate Easter with this exquisite Ukrainian Easter Paska, rich in tradition and flavor, a true centerpiece for your festive table!