No-Knead Kulich Recipe

No-Knead Kulich Recipe

Ingredients:

For 5 Kulich (330g each, 9cm*9cm):

• Milk – 150g
• Sugar – 200-250g
• Fresh yeast – 45g (or 15g of dry yeast if preferred)
• Honey – 1 tablespoon (optional, for flavor)
• Zest of one lemon or orange (optional, for flavor)
• Vanilla – to taste
• Salt – 0.5 teaspoon
• Eggs – 3 medium, plus 1 additional yolk
• Butter – 160g, melted
• Flour – approximately 620g
• Raisins – 120g (optional)
• Candied fruit – 75g (optional)

For the Glaze:

• Egg white – from 1 egg
• Powdered sugar – 120g
• Lemon juice – 2 teaspoons

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Warm the milk and dissolve the sugar and fresh yeast in it. If using dry yeast, activate it according to the package instructions.
   • Whisk in the honey, citrus zest, vanilla, and salt.
   • Beat the eggs and the extra yolk separately before combining with the milk mixture.
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until it’s just combined, and then incorporate the melted butter. The dough should be sticky and wet.
   • Fold in the raisins and candied fruit, if using.
2. First Rise:
   • Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. If the dough doesn’t rise well, ensure the yeast is fresh and the environment is warm enough.
3. Shape the Kulich:
   • Once risen, gently stir the dough to deflate it.
   • Divide the dough into the Kulich molds (cylindrical molds or coffee cans work well).
4. Second Rise:
   • Let the dough rise again in the molds until it reaches the top.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
   • Bake the Kulich for about 30-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
   • Whisk together the egg white, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
7. Decorate:
   • Once the Kulich has cooled, spread the glaze on top and decorate with sprinkles or additional candied fruit.
8. Serve:
   • Kulich is traditionally served for Easter breakfast, sliced and spread with butter or enjoyed on its own.

Tips:

• If the dough is not rising due to poor yeast quality, you can try adding an additional teaspoon of activated dry yeast.
• To create a warm environment for the dough, you can warm your oven slightly or use a microwave with a cup of boiling water placed next to the bowl.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated, fluffy, and moist Kulich, perfect for celebrating the Easter holiday!