EASY

RUSSIAN  BRAIDED  BREAD

This Russian Braided Bread is a beautiful yeast bread filled with savory pesto. Braiding creates a show-stopping loaf that looks impressive but is quite simple to put together!

 INGREDIENTS

– 3 – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 package instant yeast – 2 teaspoons granulated sugar – 1 ½ teaspoons salt – 1 ¼ cup water – ¼ cup canola oil – 1 tablespoon white vinegar – ¼ – ½ cup pesto

In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine 2 ½ cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Heat water and canola oil until warm (120°–130°F). Add to flour mixture. Add vinegar. Blend at low speed until well combined.

Switch to the dough hook and mix in the remaining flour a little at a time, to make a soft dough that’s not sticky to the touch, adding more or less flour as needed.

Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top. Cover; let rise in warm place until almost double.

Preheat oven to 400º F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, and line bottom with parchment; grease paper. Place on top of a baking sheet. Set aside.

Punch down the dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough into very thin rectangle, as thin as you can. Spread a thin layer of pesto on top of the dough. Start at the top of the long edge and slowly, tightly and gently roll the dough into a log. Pinch it closed.

Braid bread according to recipe directions. Carefully pick up the braid and place it in the prepared springform. Cover; let rise in a warm place until almost double.

Bake at 400º for 5-10 minutes, lower oven temperature to 350º and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. When the bread is out of the oven lightly brush olive oil on top and sides. Let cool on a rack.

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