Egg bread, also known as Ukrainian bread or Ukrainian Easter bread, is a type of sweet bread that is traditionally made in Ukrainian and Eastern European cuisine. It is typically made with flour, eggs, sugar, butter, milk, and yeast, and sometimes includes raisins or other dried fruit as well. The dough is formed into a round loaf and often decorated with intricate patterns or symbols before baking. Egg bread is typically served as a breakfast or dessert bread and is often served during special occasions such as Easter or Christmas. It has a soft, rich texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with butter or jam.
Here is a recipe for homemade Ukrainian egg bread:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the eggs, butter, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. If using raisins, add them in at this point.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round loaf and place the loaves on a baking sheet.
Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the top of the loaves in a decorative pattern.
Bake the loaves for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your homemade Ukrainian egg bread.
Here are a few more things you might be interested in knowing about egg bread:
Egg bread is often made to celebrate Easter in Ukrainian and Eastern European cultures. It is often served as part of the Easter Sunday breakfast or as part of the Easter basket that is brought to church to be blessed.
In addition to the ingredients listed in the recipe above, some people like to add a little lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor. You can also try adding other dried fruit like currants or cranberries, or nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Ukrainian egg bread is often decorated with intricate patterns or symbols before baking. These decorations can vary, but they often include crosses, braids, and other symbols that have special meanings in Ukrainian culture.
Egg bread can be served as a breakfast bread, dessert bread, or even as savory bread. It pairs well with butter, jam, honey, or other spreads, and can also be used to make sandwiches.
If you don’t have time to make your own egg bread from scratch, you can often find it at bakeries or specialty food stores. It is also sometimes available frozen in the bread section of the grocery store. Enjoy!
