Traditional Christmas Kulach: Two Authentic Recipes for the Festive Table.

According to ТСН: In Ukraine, kulach is one of the traditional dishes prepared for Christmas. It is a festive symbol alongside kutia and didukh. The kulach is placed on the table with a candle lit inside, and it is enjoyed on the first day of the celebrations, as the baked good has a wonderful taste, and before the Holy Evening, the Christmas fast lasts.

We offer recipes for kulaches — classic and stuffed.

Kulach with Honey and Poppy Seeds

Typically, the Christmas kulach is baked without filling, but it can also be made with poppy seeds and honey. This pastry is considered a symbol of abundance and harmony. Here is a recipe from cook Valentina Sayenko.

Ingredients:

• 500 g flour

• 200 g milk

• 21 g fresh yeast

• 80 g sugar

• 4 egg yolks

• 100 g butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• pinch of salt

• poppy seeds for decoration

Preparation:

1. First, we prepare the dough starter. In a bowl, combine sugar, yeast, warm milk, and part of the flour. Leave for 15 minutes to let the starter rise.

2. Add the remaining flour, yolks, and honey to the starter. Mix everything until homogeneous, incorporating the butter.

3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and does not stick to your hands.

4. Cover the dough and leave it in a warm place for an hour to rise.

5. Divide the dough into two parts, form logs, and braid them. Place on a baking sheet and leave for 20 minutes.

6. Brush the kulach with egg yolk mixed with milk and sprinkle with poppy seeds.

7. Bake at 180°C for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Kulach with Poppy Seed Filling

Kulaches can also be prepared with filling, usually with poppy seeds, which symbolize fertility. Here is a recipe from cook Alena Moskovchenko.

Ingredients for the dough:

• 1 kg flour

• 400 ml milk

• 200 g sugar

• 50 g fresh yeast

• 180 g chilled butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 yolks

• 10 g salt

Ingredients for the poppy seed filling:

• 150 g poppy seeds

• 200 ml milk

• 30 g butter

• 100 g sugar

• 1 tbsp honey

Preparing the Dough

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk, then add flour, eggs, yolks, and salt. Knead the dough.

2. When the dough becomes homogeneous, gradually add butter and thoroughly mix until completely dissolved.

3. Cover the dough and leave it to rise for an hour in a warm place.

Preparing the Poppy Seed Filling

1. Grind the poppy seeds in a blender to a moist state.

2. Pour milk over the poppy seeds and heat until they absorb all the moisture.

3. Add sugar, butter, and honey to the hot poppy seeds, blend until obtaining a homogeneous paste, cool and refrigerate.

Forming the Kulach

1. Divide the dough into two parts, roll out, and spread with the poppy seed filling.

2. Form tubes, cut in half, and braid, forming a round kulach.

3. Place the kulach in a mold and leave for 30 minutes to rise.

4. Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, then cover with foil for another 10 minutes.

Good luck in preparing! The kulach will surely become a decoration of your festive table.

As we can see, the kulach is not only a delicious pastry but also an important tradition passed down from generation to generation. By making kulach at home, you will immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Christmas and be able to delight your loved ones with a delicious dessert.