Ukrainian Festive Kolach
Ukrainian Festive Kolach is a beautifully braided ceremonial bread often enjoyed during Christmas and New Year's celebrations. The round shape, derived from the word 'kolo' meaning circle, symbolizes continuity and eternity, reflecting the deep cultural traditions of Ukraine. This delightful bread is glazed with an egg wash and adorned with poppy seeds, offering a subtle nutty flavor. Perfect as a centerpiece for holiday feasts, its golden crust and soft interior make it a cherished part of festive gatherings.
3
Servings
2133
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 teaspoon (dissolved in water for yeast activation)
lukewarm water
1 cup (for yeast activation)
dry yeast
2 envelopes (activated in water)
sugar
3 tablespoons (divided)
warm milk
2 cups (about 110 degrees F)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
salt
1 tablespoon (mixed into dough)
oil or melted butter
2-4 tablespoons (for enriching the dough)
flour
8-9 cups (sifted, used for dough and kneading)
egg
1 (beaten with water for glazing)
water
1 tablespoon (mixed with egg for glaze)
dry poppy seeds
2 tablespoons (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
1
1. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes.
2
2. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the yeast mixture, stir gently, and wait for 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with warm milk, lightly beaten eggs, salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, oil (or melted butter), and 3 cups of sifted flour. Beat this mixture until it becomes smooth.
4
4. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and place it in a warm area. Allow the mixture to rise until it becomes light and bubbly, approximately 1 hour.
5
5. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, and easily detaches from the sides of the bowl.
6
6. Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat the top with oil. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
7
7. Punch down the dough gently and let it rise again, but only slightly this time.
8
8. Divide the dough into three equal portions. For each portion, further divide it into three smaller sections, rolling each into a rope about 8 to 10 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick.
9
9. Braid the three ropes together starting from the middle. Tuck the ends underneath to secure them. Repeat this step with the other two portions of dough.
10
10. Place the braided loaves onto buttered baking sheets, leaving enough space between each to accommodate their doubling in size. Cover the loaves with a damp towel and let them rise until almost doubled.
11
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
12
12. Once the loaves have risen adequately, brush them gently with the beaten egg mixed with water to create a glaze. Sprinkle the tops with poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.
13
13. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the loaves achieve a golden brown color. You'll know they're done when they produce a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
14
14. Allow the loaves to cool on wire racks before serving.
Nutrition Information
384g
Carbs
53g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ukrainian Festive Kolach?
Ukrainian Festive Kolach is a beautifully braided ceremonial bread often enjoyed during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
What does the word Kolach mean?
The name is derived from the word 'kolo', which means circle in Ukrainian.
What does the round shape of the bread symbolize?
The round shape symbolizes continuity and eternity, reflecting deep Ukrainian cultural traditions.
What are the traditional toppings for Kolach?
The bread is glazed with an egg wash and adorned with poppy seeds for a subtle nutty flavor.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to produce 3 servings, or 3 braided loaves.
How do you activate the yeast for this recipe?
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in lukewarm water, sprinkle the dry yeast over it, and wait for it to become frothy.
What is the ideal temperature for the milk in the dough?
The milk should be warm, approximately 110 degrees F.
How much flour is required in total for the Kolach?
The recipe calls for between 8 to 9 cups of sifted flour.
Can I use butter instead of oil in the dough?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2-4 tablespoons of either oil or melted butter to enrich the dough.
How long should the dough rise during the first stage?
The first rise should take approximately 1 hour in a warm area until the mixture becomes light and bubbly.
How do you know when the dough is properly kneaded?
The dough should be smooth and elastic, and it should easily detach from the sides of the mixing bowl.
What is the second rising requirement?
The dough should rise in a lightly oiled bowl until it has doubled in size.
How many times is the dough allowed to rise?
The dough rises three times: once as a starter mixture, once as a full dough ball, and once after being braided.
How should the dough be divided for braiding?
Divide the dough into three equal portions, then divide each portion into three smaller sections to create ropes.
What size should the dough ropes be for the braid?
Each rope should be about 8 to 10 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick.
Where do you start braiding the dough?
The braid should be started from the middle of the ropes, with ends tucked underneath to secure them.
How should the baking sheets be prepared?
The loaves should be placed on buttered baking sheets with enough space to allow for doubling in size.
What is the oven temperature for baking Kolach?
The oven should be preheated and set to 375°F (190°C).
How is the glaze for the bread prepared?
Mix one beaten egg with one tablespoon of water to create the glaze.
How long does the Kolach take to bake?
The loaves typically bake for about 1 hour until they are golden brown.
How can you test if the Kolach is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it produces a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
What are the nutritional statistics for this recipe?
The recipe contains 2133 calories, 384g of carbohydrates, and 53g of protein.
What kind of yeast is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 envelopes of dry yeast.
Why is sugar used during the yeast activation step?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) is dissolved in water to help activate the yeast.
What texture should the interior of the bread have?
The Kolach is known for having a soft interior and a golden crust.
What is the purpose of the poppy seeds?
Poppy seeds are used to add both texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the bread.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 8-9 cups of flour should be sifted before use.
How should the loaves be cooled?
The loaves should be allowed to cool on wire racks before serving.
Is salt used in this bread recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of salt is mixed into the dough for flavor.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include Ukrainian, Christmas, Kolach, bread, holiday, and traditional.