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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Second Rise:
- Let the dough rise again in the molds until it reaches the top.
- 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.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- Whisk together the egg white, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Decorate:
- Once the Kulich has cooled, spread the glaze on top and decorate with sprinkles or additional candied fruit.
- 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!