Pulla Recipe: Delicious Finnish Vegetarian Sweet Bread

Pulla

Pulla Recipe: Delicious Finnish Vegetarian Sweet Bread
Region / culture: Finland | Servings: 6 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Pulla
Pulla

Pulla is a traditional Finnish sweet bread that is often enjoyed with coffee or tea. It is a popular treat during holidays and special occasions.

History

Pulla has been a staple in Finnish cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Sweden and was brought to Finland by Swedish settlers. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include ingredients such as cardamom, which gives Pulla its unique flavor.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Beat one egg with 0.38 cup of sugar until foamy.
  2. Put milk, then the egg beaten with sugar in the bread machine.
  3. Place the other ingredients in the bread maker in the given order.
  4. Set the bread maker on dough mode and start.
  5. When the dough is ready, dump it onto a lightly floured surface.
  6. Slice the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into strips 12 to 16 inches long.
  7. Use 3 strips each to braid into 2 loaves and place them on a lightly buttered cookie sheet.
  8. Cover with a towel and let it rise for about 40 minutes.
  9. Glaze the braided loaves with one beaten egg and sprinkle them with 1 tbsp of sugar.
  10. Bake in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 25 minutes.

Variations

  • Add raisins or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
  • Brush the braided loaves with melted butter before baking for a golden crust.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use room temperature milk and eggs for the best results.

- Be patient when braiding the dough to ensure a beautiful loaf.

- Don't skip the step of letting the dough rise, as this is crucial for the texture of the bread.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Pulla with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack or breakfast.

Cooking Techniques

Braiding the dough is the key technique in making Pulla. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond milk or soy milk as a dairy-free alternative. Margarine can be used in place of butter.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before braiding and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pulla on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pulla pairs well with fresh fruit, jam, or whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Pulla in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Fats: 6g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Pulla is a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Summary

Pulla is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Pulla is a delicious Finnish sweet bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its soft texture and hint of cardamom, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Maria, who learned it from her grandmother in Finland. Maria had always raved about her grandmother's Pulla, a traditional Finnish sweet bread that was soft, fluffy, and delicately sweet with a hint of cardamom.

I remember the day Maria showed me the recipe. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on steaming cups of tea as the rain pattered against the windows. She pulled out a faded, stained piece of paper from her recipe box and handed it to me with a smile.

"Here you go, my dear," Maria said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "This is the recipe for my grandmother's famous Pulla. I know you love to bake, so I thought you might enjoy trying it out."

I took the paper from her hands, my heart fluttering with anticipation. The ingredients were simple – flour, sugar, butter, milk, yeast, eggs, and of course, cardamom. But it was the method that intrigued me. The dough had to be kneaded until smooth and elastic, then left to rise until doubled in size. After that, it was shaped into braids and baked until golden brown.

As I read through the recipe, Maria regaled me with stories of her childhood in Finland, where Pulla was a staple at every celebration. She described the warm, comforting aroma that filled the house as her grandmother baked batch after batch of the sweet bread. I could almost taste the buttery, cardamom-scented Pulla just from her descriptions.

After bidding Maria farewell, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, the memories of Maria's stories guiding my hands. The dough came together easily, the cardamom perfuming the air as I kneaded it to perfection. I watched in wonder as it rose, doubling in size just as Maria had described.

As I shaped the dough into braids and placed them in the oven, the tantalizing scent of freshly baked Pulla filled my kitchen. I couldn't resist peeking through the oven door, watching as the bread turned a beautiful golden brown. When I finally pulled it out and let it cool, I knew I had created something special.

The first bite of my homemade Pulla transported me back to Maria's kitchen, to Finland, to a time and a place I had never experienced before. The soft, fluffy bread melted in my mouth, the delicate sweetness mingling with the warm, comforting flavor of cardamom. I closed my eyes and savored every bite, feeling a deep sense of connection to Maria's grandmother and her heritage.

From that day on, Pulla became a staple in my own kitchen. I baked batch after batch, perfecting the recipe with each attempt. I shared it with friends and family, who marveled at the unique flavor and texture of the Finnish sweet bread. And every time I took a bite, I felt a sense of gratitude towards Maria and her grandmother for passing down this precious recipe to me.

As the years passed, I continued to bake Pulla, each loaf a labor of love and a testament to the bond between friends. The recipe became a part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other. And every time I made Pulla, I was filled with a sense of awe at the simple beauty of a recipe passed down through generations, carrying with it the flavors and memories of a distant land.

Categories

| Bread Machine Recipes | Bread Recipes | Cardamom Recipes | Egg Recipes | Finnish Recipes | Finnish Snacks | Finnish Vegetarian | Milk And Cream Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes | Yeast Recipes |

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