In the realm of Easter breads, Polish egg bread, also known as chałka, stands out as a culinary masterpiece. This delectable treat is a staple on Polish tables during the Easter holiday, symbolizing rebirth, fertility, and the renewal of life. Chałka is characterized by its rich, brioche-like dough, generously adorned with a sweet egg wash and colorful sprinkles. The process of making chałka is a labor of love, involving careful attention to detail and a touch of patience. Bakers lovingly braid the dough into intricate shapes, creating a visually stunning centerpiece that is sure to impress. This article offers a comprehensive guide to creating this traditional Polish bread, featuring three unique recipes that cater to different skill levels and preferences. From the classic chałka to a dairy-free and vegan version, each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, along with helpful tips and tricks, ensuring that every baker can achieve the perfect loaf of Polish egg bread.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
POLISH EGG BREAD
This recipe came from a friend and it is fantastic. I was in Poland in August and enjoyed the bread there so I was glad when I received this recipe. Everyone asks me for the recipe.
Provided by BOBBIELLEN1
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes Egg
Time 3h30m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Dissolve yeast packages in 1 cup of warm water; set aside.
- Bring milk to a boil. Remove from heat; add remaining 1 cup water, butter, and 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of salt; stir until butter melts. Pour in sugar and stir until dissolved.
- When milk mixture has cooled to lukewarm, stir in dissolved yeast.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs until combined. Whisk milk mixture into eggs. Gradually add 5 pounds of flour. Transfer dough to a floured work surface, and use a serrated knife to divide dough in half. Shape each half into a ball and place the dough in two large oiled bowls. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Once risen, turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and divide into 6 equal portions. Shape the dough into balls. (Dough will be very sticky and soft at this point.) Keep the dough covered with greased plastic wrap while you divide one dough ball into 3 pieces. Shape the dough into three ropes, braid together, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet or parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining loaves. You should be able to fit two loaves per baking sheet.
- Bake loaves in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until hollow-sounding when tapped on top. Let cool, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.7 calories, Carbohydrate 66.9 g, Cholesterol 81.2 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 651.4 mg, Sugar 11.8 g
POLISH EGG BREAD
This recipe was given to me by a dear friend. I was glad when it was given it to me.
Provided by Eddie Jordan
Categories Savory Breads
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Dissolve yeast packages in 1 cup of warm water. Rinse and dry a small saucepan to prevent milk from scorching and sticking when scalding.
- 2. Bring milk to a boil reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining 1 cup warm water.butter, and salt stir to blend. Once cooled to lukewarm stir in dissolved yeast.
- 3. In a separate bowl beat eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually stir eggs into milk mixture.
- 4. Once blended add flour gradually until few or no lumps remain. Divide dough in half and let rise in a warm place 1 1/2 hours.
- 5. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- 6. Once dough has risen turn dough out onto a well floured surface and dived into 6 equil portions ( dough will be vary sticky and soft at this point ).
- 7. Divide each portion into 3 pieces braid together and place on a baking sheet
- 8. Bake in a preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until hollow sounding when tapping on top. let cool , and enjoy.
Tips:
- Use fresh yeast for best results. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Be patient when kneading the dough. It will take about 10 minutes of kneading to develop the gluten and make the dough smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. If you are in a hurry, you can place the dough in a warm oven (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit) to speed up the rising process.
- Before baking, brush the egg bread with an egg wash made from one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water. This will give the bread a golden brown crust.
- Bake the egg bread in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Conclusion:
Polish egg bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a popular holiday bread, especially during Easter and Christmas. With its soft and fluffy texture and delicate flavor, Polish egg bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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