Lenten sweet bread with Turkish delight and raisins

Lenten Sweet Bread with Turkish Delight and Raisins

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked sweet bread? This recipe for Lenten sweet bread with Turkish delight and raisins will not only fill your home with delicious aromas but also provide you with an economical and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

The history of sweet bread is rich, as it is a traditional recipe often associated with holidays or special occasions. Over time, each homemaker has added a personal touch, transforming sweet bread into a symbol of hospitality. This adapted Lenten recipe preserves tradition while allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert without animal-derived ingredients.

Preparation: 2 hours
Baking: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Servings: 2 large sweet breads

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of white flour
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast
- 150 ml oil (sunflower or olive, as preferred)
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest from 1 lemon (for added flavor)
- 450 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 200 g sugar
- about 200 g raisins (soaked in rum essence)
- about 400 g Turkish delight (cut into cubes)

Step by step:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the 2 cubes of fresh yeast with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar. Mix until liquefied, then add 150 ml of lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to ferment the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, the 2 packets of vanilla sugar, the grated lemon zest, and the oil. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the yeast mixture and the remaining lukewarm water. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is the moment when you can also add the soaked raisins and Turkish delight pieces to incorporate them evenly into the dough.

3. Proofing the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until the dough triples in volume. A helpful tip: you can place the dough in a turned-off oven, leaving the door ajar to create a warm and humid environment.

4. Shaping the sweet bread: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts on a floured work surface. Roll each part into thin sheets (about the thickness of a finger). Evenly place the raisins and Turkish delight pieces on the surface of the sheets, then tightly roll them up to form two cylinders.

5. Preparing for baking: Place the sweet breads in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 175°C.

6. Baking: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Five minutes before the baking is done, remove the sweet breads from the oven and brush them with water, then sprinkle granulated sugar on top to achieve a crispy crust. Place them back in the oven for the last 5 minutes.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the sweet breads are done, remove them from the oven and the trays, and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slices of sweet bread can be served plain or with a cup of fragrant tea.

Serving suggestions: This sweet bread is delicious and simple, but you can elevate it to an elegant dessert by serving it with warm chocolate sauce or alongside vegan vanilla ice cream. It can also be enjoyed with a fragrant coffee or fruit tea.

Nutritional benefits: This Lenten sweet bread recipe is rich in carbohydrates, providing quick energy, while the raisins add a boost of antioxidants and fiber. Sunflower oil contributes essential fatty acids, vital for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I use instead of Turkish delight? You can replace Turkish delight with roasted nuts or almonds for a sweet bread with a crunchy texture.
- How can I store the sweet bread? The sweet bread stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to keep it longer.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

This Lenten sweet bread recipe with Turkish delight and raisins is not just a delicious dessert, but also a way to bring tradition into your kitchen. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this sweet bread will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!