Finnish Pulla

Recipe View 10 mins Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Remove from heat and let it cool until lukewarm. (5-10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Allow it to stand until the yeast softens and forms a creamy foam. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins In the yeast mixture, stir in the lukewarm milk, sugar, 4 beaten eggs, salt, and cardamom. Gradually beat in 2 cups of flour until well combined. Add 3 more cups of flour and continue beating until the dough is smooth and elastic. Incorporate the melted butter and beat until the dough appears glossy. Mix in the remaining flour until the dough becomes stiff.

Recipe View 15 mins Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, cover it with an inverted mixing bowl, and let it rest. (15 minutes)

Recipe View 1 hrs Knead the dough until it is smooth and satiny. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a dish towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. (1 hour). Punch down the dough and let it rise again until almost doubled. (1 hour)

Recipe View 0 mins Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.

Recipe View 20 mins Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 3 equal pieces. Divide each piece into thirds. Roll each of these into 12- to 16-inch strips. Braid 3 strips together to form a loaf, resulting in 3 large, braided loaves. Carefully lift the loaves onto the prepared baking sheets. Cover with a dish towel and let them rise. (20 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins In a small bowl, beat together the remaining egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the mixture over the loaves and sprinkle with sugar.

Recipe View 30 mins Bake in the preheated oven until the tops are golden brown, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. (25-30 minutes). Watch carefully, as the bottoms can burn easily.