Karawai is a traditional Ukrainian wedding pie and it’s now popular in Russia and Eastern Poland. It is also baked for a name day.
Karavai
Bread
½ cup warm water (around 110 degrees F)
2 packages (4 ½ tsp) active dry yeast
1/3 cup sugar
1 ½ cups milk, lukewarm
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
6 ½ cups all purpose flour, divided
Egg Wash
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp water
Decorations
¾ cup + 3 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons shortening
¼ cup water
In the bowl of stand mixer, combine the water, yeast and allow to proof for a minute or two. Add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat with the paddle attachment until mostly smooth, about 2 minutes.
Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining 4 ½ cups of flour. Knead with the dough hook on medium-low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is sticky, add up to ¼ cup additional flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple times to form a smooth ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover lightly with plastic wrap. Put in a warm place to rise until the dough is light and doubled; about 1 hour.
Meanwhile make the dough for the decorations.
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and cornstarch. Cut the shortening into the flour completely so no lumps remain. Add the water and stir until a dough forms (I needed to add a little extra water). Turn out the dough and knead until smooth. Cover and set aside to rest for 20 minutes.
Once the dough is doubled, turn it out and punch down.
Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare the egg wash by beating together the remaining egg and 1 teaspoon water.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Shape one piece into a ball, and place in the center of the pan.
Shape the remaining 3 pieces into long ropes and braid together. Drape the braid around the center ball, toward the edges of the pan. Brush all over with egg wash.
Roll out the decoration dough as thinly as possibly on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut flower shapes. Attach the flowers with egg wash.
Cover the bread and set aside for 20-30 minutes or until risen.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place the bread in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then turn the oven to 325 and bake for another 35 minutes. If the bread starts browning too early, tent with foil.
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