Unusual kulich
Description
Despite its seemingly complex shape, this kulich is prepared very simply and relatively quickly. Follow the step‑by‑step recommendations and you will succeed. Most importantly, bake the kulich with a good mood.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
Add the yeast to warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar from the total amount, and stir until the yeast dissolves.
- 3
Step 3
Sift all the flour. Add 1 tablespoon of flour from the total amount to the milk.
- 4
Step 4
Stir, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm spot for 15 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
In a mixing bowl, crack one egg and two yolks, add the two types of sugar and salt.
- 6
Step 6
Whisk into a fluffy foam for 5 minutes.
- 7
Step 7
Add the beaten egg mixture to the risen starter.
- 8
Step 8
Add 50 grams of melted butter.
- 9
Step 9
Stir in all the flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- 10
Step 10
Continue the dough mixing on the table, knead for about 7–10 minutes; the dough becomes very soft and elastic. Place the kneaded dough into a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and put it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour.
- 11
Step 11
While the dough is rising, attend to the filling: rinse the dried fruits and raisins, chop them if necessary, and pat them dry on a paper towel.
- 12
Step 12
It is very good to add lemon or orange zest to the fruit mixture.
- 13
Step 13
Divide the risen dough into 3 parts, each part weighing 280 g, roll them into balls, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- 14
Step 14
Roll each bun into a very thin sheet, then brush with softened butter.
- 15
Step 15
Arrange the dried fruits and candied fruits over the entire surface of the dough.
- 16
Step 16
Roll the dough into a tight roll.
- 17
Step 17
With a sharp knife, cut the roll lengthwise, but not all the way to the end; leave about 2 cm.
- 18
Step 18
Roll both halves of the roll with the cut side outward.
- 19
Step 19
Place one half on top of the other in the shape of a little tower.
- 20
Step 20
Place the dough in a paper mold, a mold with a diameter of 9 cm and a height of 8.5 cm. Cover with a clean napkin and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- 21
Step 21
Bake the kulich in the oven at 180 °C for about 35‑40 minutes, and during the second half of baking cover the top with foil or baking paper so it doesn’t burn. Check doneness with a wooden skewer or a toothpick.
- 22
Step 22
Fully cooled kulich‑croffin, dust it with powdered sugar and delight your loved ones with a tasty and beautiful pastry. Have a bright holiday!