Swedish Cardamom Braid

Swedish Cardamom Braid Recipe | Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 8

Introduction

Swedish Cardamom Braid is a delicious and aromatic bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of cardamom and raisins gives this bread a unique and flavorful taste that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This traditional Swedish recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many Swedish households. The use of cardamom in baking is common in Scandinavian cuisine, and it adds a warm and spicy flavor to the bread.

Ingredients

2 tbsp yeast
0.5 cup lukewarm water (105°F to 110°F)
0.5 cup scalded milk
0.25 cup sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
3.5 cups flour
1 tsp ground cardamom
0.5 cup dark or golden raisins

How to prepare

Combine the yeast and lukewarm water. Let it stand until dissolved.
Pour the hot milk over the sugar to dissolve it.
Add the salt and vegetable oil. Allow it to cool.
Stir in the yeast mixture, egg, 3 cups of flour, and cardamom into the sugar mixture.
Add the raisins and extra flour. Beat until smooth.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into thirds.
Roll each part into a 10-inch long strand.
Braid the strands loosely.
Place the braid on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Brush the braid with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lukewarm water when activating the yeast to ensure that it properly dissolves.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm place to help it double in size.

- Braid the strands loosely to create a beautiful and intricate design.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Swedish Cardamom Braid warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture.

- Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps it double in size and develop flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

- Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Swedish Cardamom Braid on a decorative platter or bread basket for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Swedish Cardamom Braid with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swedish Cardamom Braid contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swedish Cardamom Braid contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swedish Cardamom Braid contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Swedish Cardamom Braid contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Swedish Cardamom Braid is a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Swedish Cardamom Braid is a delicious bread that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron and calcium.

Summary

Swedish Cardamom Braid is a delicious and aromatic bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With its warm and spicy flavor, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Swedish Cardamom Braid. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Sweden. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and she would often spend hours in the kitchen creating delicious meals and treats for her family.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching her knead dough for a batch of cinnamon rolls, she pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. She smiled and told me that she was going to teach me how to make a traditional Swedish treat - a Cardamom Braid.

I was intrigued by the name and the thought of learning a new recipe from my aunt. As she began to walk me through the steps, I watched in awe as she expertly rolled out the dough, sprinkled it with a fragrant mixture of sugar and ground cardamom, and braided it into a beautiful loaf.

The smell that filled the kitchen as the braid baked in the oven was heavenly - warm, spicy, and sweet. When it emerged golden brown and glistening, my aunt brushed it with a simple glaze and sliced it into thick, pillowy slices. I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

The flavor was unlike anything I had ever tasted before - the delicate sweetness of the dough, the warmth of the cardamom, and the slight crunch of the sugar on top. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the next few days, my aunt patiently showed me how to make the Cardamom Braid from start to finish. She taught me how to measure the ingredients, knead the dough until it was soft and elastic, and braid it into a beautiful loaf. I practiced each step over and over again until I felt confident in my abilities.

As I grew older, I continued to make the Cardamom Braid for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who asked. I loved the way it brought people together, the way it filled the house with warmth and love, and the way it reminded me of my aunt and the special bond we shared.

As the years passed, I collected other recipes from my travels and from the people I met along the way. Each recipe held a special memory for me - a taste of a distant land, a glimpse into someone else's life, a connection to my past.

But the Swedish Cardamom Braid would always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first recipe I ever learned, the one that sparked my passion for cooking, and the one that I would always turn to when I needed a taste of home.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of baking bread, I can't help but smile as I remember that first Cardamom Braid I made with my aunt so many years ago. The recipe may have come from Sweden, but the memories it holds are all my own. And I will treasure them always.