Festive Bread with Raisins

This delightful recipe is perfect for special occasions or whenever you feel like treating yourself and your loved ones to a warm, homemade bread. The fragrant spices and the sweetness of the raisins create a harmonious blend of flavors that make each bite truly memorable. This rich, golden bread is not only delicious but also has a beautiful, inviting appearance with its soft, fluffy texture. The preparation may seem elaborate, but the process is quite rewarding, and the end result is definitely worth the effort. Traditionally enjoyed during celebrations, this bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of the year. The use of turmeric gives it a striking color, while cardamom adds an aromatic touch. With this detailed guide, you can easily make this bread at home and bring a touch of festivity to your table. Explore variations and serving suggestions to customize it according to your preference. The lovely scent that fills your kitchen while baking will make it hard to wait for it to cool down. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a bit of butter or jam.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 135 ml milk
• 12 g fresh yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 50 g butter or margarine (+ about 30 g more for spreading)
• Approximately 300 g flour
• 1 tablespoon oil for greasing the dish
• 1 egg
• 70 g raisins

Spices

• 1/3 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• 1/3 teaspoon cardamom

Preparation Time

• Total time: Approximately 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Warm half of the milk and dissolve the yeast and half of the sugar in it. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes until bubbly.
2. Take the remaining half of the milk, warm it up, and melt the butter in it. Let it cool slightly.
3. Lightly beat the egg with the salt and the remaining sugar until well combined.
4. Mix together both milk mixtures and gradually stir in the beaten egg.
5. Add the flour along with the turmeric and cardamom to create a soft dough.
6. Knead the dough until smooth and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangular shape, approximately 40 cm by 17 cm.
8. Cut the dough vertically into approximately 8 strips, each about 17 cm long and 5 cm wide.
9. Melt the remaining 30 g of butter or margarine.
10. Brush each dough strip with the melted butter.
11. Fold the edges of each strip to the center, brush with additional butter, and fold in half again. The folding style is flexible to personal preference.
12. Once all strips are buttered and folded, arrange them in a buttered baking dish, placing them open edges down.
13. Cover the dish and let it rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
14. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
15. After the second rising, brush the bread with any remaining butter.
16. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown.
17. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Substitution: If fresh yeast is unavailable, you can use dry yeast instead.
• Spice Variation: Adjust the amount of cardamom to taste.
• For a glossy finish, add a bit of milk to the melted butter before brushing.

Nutritions

• Calories: 250 kcal per serving
• Protein: 6 g
• Fats: 9 g
• Carbs: 38 g

Variations

• Nut-free: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk and margarine, and replace the egg with a flax or chia seed mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Serve alongside a light salad for a perfect brunch option.
• Pair with a cheese board for an appetizer.

Best Places

• Café de Flore - A Parisian spot celebrated for its timeless charm and baked delights. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Tartine Bakery - Popular for its artisanal breads and pastries in San Francisco. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Bæst - Known for organic ingredients and wood-fired bakery goods in Copenhagen. Location: Guldbergsgade 29, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Le Vin Papillon - A charming Montreal café with a focus on local and seasonal produce. Location: 2519 Notre-Dame St. W, Montreal, Canada.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Italian elegance and tradition in Milan's finest bakery. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a, Milan, Italy.
• E5 Bakehouse - Community-driven bakery focusing on organic and wholesome bakes in London. Location: 395 Mentmore Terrace, London, UK.
• Central Baking Depot - Sydney café offering a range of traditional comfort foods. Location: 37-39 Erskine St, Sydney, Australia.
• Yasuda Bakery - Blending Japanese and European styles in delightful pastries in Tokyo. Location: 6 Chome-1-13 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan.
• American Girl Café - A whimsical experience with delicious treats in Chicago. Location: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, USA.
• Gail's - Modern bakery with a diverse selection of goods in London. Location: Several locations across London, UK.