Special Easter Bread

Special Easter Bread - A Recipe Full of Love and Tradition

Pasca is a symbol of the Easter holidays, but a special bread, carefully prepared, can transform the Easter meal into a true feast. This special Easter bread recipe will not only delight your senses but will also add a touch of elegance to your festive table. Let's embark together on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 kg white flour
- 550 ml lukewarm water
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 2 packets of dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 75 ml olive oil
- Mix of raw seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flax, and sesame)
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing the dough)

A bit of history...
Bread has always been a symbol of abundance and communion, especially during festive times. This special Easter bread recipe combines tradition with innovation, paying homage to those who have cooked with love and passion throughout time.

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the white flour, salt, and sugar. These ingredients will form the base of our dough. In another container, mix the yeast with lukewarm water and milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Helpful tips:
Make sure the water and milk are not too hot, as they can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius.

Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it over the dry ingredients. Add the olive oil. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

Step 2: Rising the dough
Knead the dough on a work surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Enriching the dough with seeds
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and knead it again on a work surface. Now is the time to add the seed mix. Do this gradually to ensure that the seeds are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Shaping the bread
After incorporating the seeds, break off a small ball of dough and set it aside. This will be used to form an elegant braid. Roll out the remaining dough into a large sheet, which you will transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Cut the dough into 9 petals, leaving the center intact. Each petal will be cut into 3, and then you will start to braid. This may seem complicated, but with a little practice, you will create a splendid flower! Once finished, tuck the end of the braid under each petal to round them off.

Step 5: Creating the braid
Divide the reserved ball of dough into 3 equal pieces, which you will turn into rolls. Braid these rolls to form a braid that you will place in the center of the flower.

Step 6: Baking
Brush the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle the remaining seeds on top. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (180°C) and bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. Finally, brush it again with egg and leave it in the oven for another 5 minutes to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack. Then, bring it to the festive table alongside sweet bread and red eggs. This bread will not only look splendid but will also bring a delicious taste to your table.

Personalized option:
If you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can incorporate some pieces of candied fruit or nuts into the dough. These will add a pleasant texture and a unique flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but use more water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

2. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can use it to make small rolls or muffins.

3. How can I store the bread?
The bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but it can be frozen for longer storage.

This special Easter bread recipe not only blends tradition with innovation but also offers the opportunity to spend quality time in the kitchen with loved ones. So, prepare your ingredients and let yourself be inspired by the magic of the holidays! Enjoy!