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Finnish Pulla with a Twist


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  • Author: Suchitra Vaidyaram
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x

Description

Experience the delightful flavors of Finland with this sweet cardamom-infused pulla bread, braided to perfection and irresistibly aromatic.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 pkt dry yeast (about 7 to 8 gms)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt (can skip if you use salted butter)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp crushed cardamom seeds
  • 4-5 cups flour (all purpose)
  • 1 stick melted unsalted butter
  • 1 egg mixed with a bit of water for egg wash
  • for filling-
  • 2-3 tbsp softened butter
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder


Instructions

  1. Heat the milk until it is lukewarm. Pour the milk into a large bowl and stir in the yeast. Allow the yeast to awaken and let it sit for about 7 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add the egg, crushed cardamom, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture and whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue adding flour until the dough is soft and no longer sticky.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope.
  7. Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal them.
  8. Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Brush the braided loaf with melted butter.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  12. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

Ensure the milk is lukewarm to activate the yeast effectively. If using salted butter, you can skip the added salt. For a richer flavor, brush the loaf with additional melted butter after baking. Pulla is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Cuisine: Scandinavian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 150
  • Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 30