What is Kolach?
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Kolach bread is a traditional Central European bread that is made from a sweet, enriched dough. It is a soft and fluffy bread that is often served as a dessert or breakfast treat.
Kolach bread is made by mixing together flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter or oil to create a sweet and tender dough.
The dough is then shaped into a round or oval loaf and baked until it is golden brown and crusty on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Kolach bread is a popular bread in Central Europe and is often served as a dessert or breakfast treat. It is a flavorful and versatile bread that is enjoyed by many people in the region and around the world. Kolach bread is often served with a variety of toppings, such as fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, and it is also sometimes served with a side of icing or glaze.
What is the history of Kolach bread?
Kolach bread is a traditional Central European bread that has a long history dating back to ancient times.
It is believed to have originated in the region now known as the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, and it has been enjoyed by generations of people in these countries.
In Central Europe, Kolach bread is often served as a dessert or breakfast treat and is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
It is a flavorful and versatile bread that is enjoyed by many people in the region and around the world. Kolach bread is often served with a variety of toppings, such as fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, and it is also sometimes served with a side of icing or glaze.
Today, Kolach bread is a beloved treat that is enjoyed by many people in Central Europe and around the world. It is a special part of the cultural heritage of the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, and it is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
Ingredients in Kolach bread
Kolach is a traditional bread that is often served during holidays and special occasions in Eastern Europe, particularly in Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Poland. There are many variations of kolach, but a common recipe includes the following ingredients:
- milk
- butter
- sugar
- salt
- active dry yeast
- warm water
- all-purpose flour
- eggs
- raisins
- chopped nuts (optional)
Kolach bread Nutritional Information:
It is challenging to offer accurate nutritional information for kolach bread because the nutritional value will differ depending on the particular components and amounts that are used in the recipe.
Kolach bread, in general, is an excellent source of carbs and also offers some protein and fibre to its consumers.
However, because it does not have a particularly high concentration of nutrients, it is recommended that it be consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional content though
- Calories: 286 per slice
- Protein: 7 grams per slice
- Fat: 10 grams per slice
- Carbohydrates: 43 grams per slice
- Fiber: 2 grams per slice
This is just a rough estimate and the actual nutritional content may vary depending on the ingredients and amounts used. It is always best to use a nutrition calculator to get accurate nutritional information for a specific recipe.
How to make Kolach bread:
Here is a recipe you can use to make kolach bread at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 envelopes active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 6-7 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and salt. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and yeast mixture. Add the milk mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking sheet.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope. Braid the ropes together, pinching the ends together to seal. Place the braid on the prepared baking sheet. Cover the braid with a towel and let it rise for an additional 20 minutes.
- Brush the braid with the beaten eggs and sprinkle with the raisins and nuts (if using). Bake the braid for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Remove the braid from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Serve the braid warm or at room temperature.