Russian braid

Russian Braid - Sweet Sourdough Bread

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Russian braid is an Italian delicacy, an easy-to-make braided bread that will bring a touch of magic to any meal. With a fluffy texture and sweet taste, it is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients:

- 200-230 g flour (from the total recipe)
- 200 ml warm milk
- 20 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 50 g melted butter
- 50 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing)

Step 1: Preparing the yeast

In a small bowl, combine 200 ml of warm milk with the yeast and a teaspoon of honey or sugar. Gently mix and let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential, as activating the yeast will ensure proper rising and a fluffy bread.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, sift the flour (between 200 and 230 g, depending on the humidity in the air) and add the sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and if desired, the lemon zest for a fresh taste. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a smooth dough.

Step 3: Kneading the dough

Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is easy to handle.

Step 4: Rising

Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for one hour or until it doubles in size. A warm room is ideal for this step, but you can also use an oven preheated to 30 degrees Celsius.

Step 5: Braiding

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface and divide it into three equal parts. Shape each part into a long strand. Braid the three strands, starting at one end and continuing to the other. Make sure the braid is tight, but not too tight, to allow the bread to rise evenly.

Step 6: Second rising

Transfer the braid to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover again with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Step 7: Baking

Once the dough has risen, brush it with the beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cooling and serving

Let the bread cool on a rack for 15 minutes before slicing. Russian braid is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with fruit jams, butter, or even melted chocolate for a quick and tasty dessert.

Variation suggestions:

For a different flavor, you can add cinnamon or ground nuts to the dough. Also, instead of lemon zest, you can use orange zest for a more exotic touch.

This simple recipe for Russian braid is perfect for impressing your family and friends with a braided bread that not only looks wonderful but also tastes exceptional. Enjoy every slice and savor the cooking moment!

 Ingredients: 500-600 g flour (500 if we have small eggs and 600 if they are large) 20 g yeast 250 g milk 90 g sugar 90 g butter 2 whole eggs 50 g butter and some sugar for filling vanilla sugar other flavors