Dough for Karavai

Description

Delicious baked goods for the whole family. Karavai is, above all, a very tasty bread that can be rich and sweet like Easter kulich, moderately sweet like sweet buns, or simple like regular bread. At weddings, the bride and groom take a bite of the karavai, and whoever takes the bigger bite will be the head of the family. It's just a fun Russian tradition, but the bread itself symbolizes love and prosperity in the family. Serve warm or cooled. Perfect with tea.

Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1

   In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar, then let it sit in a warm place for 15–20 minutes until a foamy layer forms on top.

2. 2

   Step 2

   In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, add the remaining sugar and salt, and mix.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Pour the yeast mixture into a bowl with flour, mix, gradually adding buttermilk. You should get a soft and elastic dough.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Grease a bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough in it, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Knead the risen dough, set aside 1/4 of the dough for decorative toppings, and proceed to shape the loaf.