Lenten sweet bread

Lenten Sweet Bread with Nuts and Raisins: A Delicacy for the Soul

Sweet bread is a deeply rooted tradition in many cultures, symbolizing celebration, family, and joyful moments. This Lenten sweet bread, with its fluffy texture and rich filling of nuts and raisins, is the perfect reinterpretation of a classic recipe, adapted to respect the dietary restrictions of Lent. You'll find that you don't have to give up flavor and sweetness, even during these times of restriction.

Total preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 250 ml soy milk (or any preferred plant-based milk)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (ideally mixed with vanilla sugar)
- Seeds from one vanilla pod
- 80 g melted margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 50 g raisins soaked in rum
- 5-6 tablespoons ground walnuts mixed with sugar and cocoa

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Milk and the Yeast:
Start by warming the soy milk in a small pot until it becomes lukewarm. It is very important that the milk is not too hot, as it will kill the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of flour, and 50 ml of the warm milk. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, or until you see a foam forming, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the 350 g of flour with the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the activated yeast mixture. Pour in the remaining warm milk (200 ml) and mix until the ingredients are well combined. This will be the base of your sweet bread.

3. Adding the Flavor Ingredients:
Add the vanilla seeds and melted margarine to the dough. Knead patiently for 10-15 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little of the remaining flour.

4. Letting the Dough Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size. This step is crucial, so make sure not to rush!

5. Preparing the Filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Mix the ground walnuts with the sugar and cocoa in a bowl. If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can also use a little rum in this mixture.

6. Shaping the Sweet Bread:
Once the dough has risen, gently knead it to release the accumulated air. Divide it into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 0.3 cm thick. Spread each sheet with the remaining margarine, then sprinkle the walnut and raisin filling (make sure the raisins are well drained from the rum).

7. Rolling and Braiding:
Roll each sheet tightly to form a cylinder. Then, braid the two rolls together, being careful not to unravel during baking.

8. Final Rising:
Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil or grease and flour it. Place the sweet bread in the pan and let it rise again for 20-30 minutes. This step will help the sweet bread become even fluffier.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 160°C (low heat) and bake the sweet bread for 50-60 minutes, or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly. Do not open the oven door in the first 30 minutes, or it may collapse.

10. Finishing Touch:
Once baked, remove the sweet bread from the oven and, for an attractive shine, brush it with a little honey or maple syrup.

Practical Tips:
- Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or rice flour, but adjust the liquid amounts as these flours absorb more.
- Enhancing Flavors: You can add cinnamon or grated citrus zest to the filling to intensify the flavors.
- Serving: The sweet bread can be served plain or with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for a savory breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Nutritional Benefits:
This Lenten sweet bread is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whole flour provides fiber, while nuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Raisins add a natural sweetness and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Almond or oat milk are excellent alternatives.

2. What can I do with leftover sweet bread?
You can transform leftover sweet bread into delicious French toast or use it in puddings.

3. How long does the sweet bread keep?
In an airtight container, the sweet bread stays fresh for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making Lenten sweet bread at home! Every bite will bring a touch of warmth and joy to your days. Cooking is an art, and this sweet bread is a masterpiece that deserves to be savored!