Paska is a traditional Polish Easter bread thats wonderfully light with a slightly sweet flavor
Prep Time
5 hrs 20 mins
Dificult
Medium
Servings
6 hrs 40 mins
Ingredients
Instructions
Proof yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl until slightly frothy
about 5 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile
dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in warm milk; allow to cool to lukewarm. Once cooled
add milk mixture to yeast mixture along with 4 cups of flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Cover and put in a dark
warm place until the mixture is bubbly and doubled in size
about 2 hours.
Stir in beaten eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter
salt
and lemon zest until well blended. Gradually add remaining flour
one cup at a time
to form a very soft dough.
Knead dough on a floured board until soft and elastic
about 10 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl
turning to coat all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled
about 2 hours. Punch dough down
and allow to rise again for 30 minutes.
Divide dough into three parts and shape into slightly rounded loaves
and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled
about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush onto loaves.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake in preheated oven until loaves are deep golden brown
45 to 50 minutes. Once they are done
brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust.
Cook’s Note
You can use orange peel in place of the lemon zest if you prefer.This recipe can be shaped into three large loaves or six small ones. If you make small loaves