Ukranian Bread
Ukranian Bread is a rich, slightly sweet loaf with a tender crumb and a hint of lemon flavor. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, this bread combines yeast-leavened softness with a subtle citrus aroma, making it a delightful addition to any meal or festive table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and yolks until lemon colored, gradually adding sugar.
- Add melted margarine, salt, lemon juice, and lemon peel to the egg mixture.
- Beat well to combine.
- Blend the egg mixture into the yeast mixture.
- Add 6 cups of flour and beat until smooth.
- By hand, stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Sprinkle with raisins and knead for an additional 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough.
- Turn onto a lightly floured board and divide into three equal parts.
- Let the divided dough rise for 10 minutes.
- Shape each into a loaf and place in greased loaf pans.
- Let the loaves rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the best rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and properly dissolved in warm water. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for optimal texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ukrainian bread sliced, either plain or toasted, as a delightful accompaniment to soups and stews. It pairs beautifully with Walnut And Port Cheese for a savory snack or appetizer. Enjoy it with butter and jam for breakfast, or use it to make sandwiches. This versatile bread can also be enjoyed alongside Mors Kake for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ukrainian bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ukranian Bread contains roughly 537 calories, with 34g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe. You won't need to dissolve it in water; simply mix it with the dry ingredients. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the rising time as instant yeast can work faster.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can add a variety of ingredients for flavor, such as dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or nuts like walnuts or almonds. Spices such as cinnamon can also enhance the taste, making it perfect for festive occasions.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, you can use a thermometer; it should register an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).