Russian Orthodox Easter is a time of celebration and joy, with families coming together to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the most beloved traditions during this holiday is the baking of Russian Orthodox Easter bread, also known as kulich. This sweet and rich bread is a staple on every Easter table, and its recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. If you want to bring a taste of this tradition into your home, follow this simple yet delicious recipe for Russian Orthodox Easter bread.
Gather the Ingredients
What You'll Need:
- Flour: 6 cups of all-purpose flour will be used to create the base of the bread.
- Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar will add sweetness to the bread.
- Eggs: 6 large eggs will provide structure and richness to the bread.
- Milk: 1 cup of warm milk will activate the yeast and help the dough rise.
- Butter: 1 cup of melted butter will add richness and flavor to the bread.
- Raisins: 1 cup of raisins will add texture and sweetness to the bread.
- Candied Citrus Peel: 1 cup of chopped candied citrus peel will add a burst of flavor to the bread.
- Yeast: 2 packets of active dry yeast will help the bread rise and give it a light and airy texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt will balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the bread.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract will add a subtle hint of flavor to the bread.
- Almonds: ½ cup of sliced almonds will add crunch and a nutty flavor to the bread.
- Powdered Sugar: For the finishing touch, 1 cup of powdered sugar will be used to dust the bread with a sweet and snowy glaze.
Make the Dough
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly add in the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins, candied citrus peel, and almonds.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a tall cylinder about 8 inches long. Place them in greased and floured loaf pans.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 1-2 hours.
Bake and Serve
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the bread with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Russian Orthodox Easter bread with a cup of tea or coffee and some fresh fruit.
Now that you have the recipe for Russian Orthodox Easter bread, you can bring a taste of this beloved tradition into your home. This sweet and rich bread will be a hit with your family and friends, and it will surely become a staple on your Easter table for years to come.
Convert to HTML Code:
<h2>Gather the Ingredients</h2>
<h3>What You'll Need:</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>Flour</b>: 6 cups of all-purpose flour will be used to create the base of the bread.</li>
<li><b>Sugar</b>: 1 cup of granulated sugar will add sweetness to the bread.</li>
<li><b>Eggs</b>: 6 large eggs will provide structure and richness to the bread.</li>
<li><b>Milk</b>: 1 cup of warm milk will activate the yeast and help the dough rise.</li>
<li><b>Butter</b>: 1 cup of melted butter will add richness and flavor to the bread.</li>
<li><b>Raisins</b>: 1 cup of raisins will add texture and sweetness to the bread.</li>
<li><b>Candied Citrus Peel</b>: 1 cup of chopped candied citrus peel will add a burst of flavor to the bread.</li>
<li><b>Yeast</b>: 2 packets of active dry yeast will help the bread rise and give it a light and airy texture.</li>
<li><b>Salt</b>: 1 teaspoon of salt will balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the bread.</li>
<li><b>Vanilla Extract</b>: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract will add a subtle hint of flavor to the bread.</li>
<li><b>Almonds</b>: ½ cup of sliced almonds will add crunch and a nutty flavor to the bread.</li>
<li><b>Powdered Sugar</b>: For the finishing touch, 1 cup of powdered sugar will be used to dust the bread with a sweet and snowy glaze.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Make the Dough</h2>
<h3>Instructions:</h3>
<ol>
<li>In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.</li>
<li>Add in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.</li>
<li>Slowly add in the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.</li>
<li>Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.</li>
<li>Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.</li>
<li>Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins, candied citrus peel, and almonds.</li>
<li>Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a tall cylinder about 8 inches long. Place them in greased and floured loaf pans.</li>
<li>Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 1-2 hours.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Bake and Serve</h2>
<h3>Instructions:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).</li>
<li>Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.</li>
<li>Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.</li>
<li>Dust the bread with powdered sugar before serving.</li>
<li>Enjoy your homemade Russian Orthodox Easter bread with a cup of tea or coffee and some fresh fruit.</li>
</ol>
<p>Now that you have the recipe for Russian Orthodox Easter bread, you can bring a taste of this beloved tradition into your home. This sweet and rich bread will be a hit with your family and friends, and it will surely become a staple on your Easter table for years to come.</p>