Traditional Ukrainian Paska (Easter Bread)
Paska is a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, slightly sweet with a soft and airy texture. Often decorated with dough patterns, it is served during Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
For glaze
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast: In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 10-15 minutes).
- First rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Add raisins (optional): Gently fold raisins into the dough if using.
- Shape and decorate: Grease a baking mold and place the dough inside. Use extra dough to create decorative patterns if desired.
- Second rise: Cover and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Glaze: Mix the egg white with milk and brush over the top of the dough.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Check doneness with a wooden skewer.
- Cool and serve: Let the paska cool completely before serving. Enjoy with butter, honey, or jam.
- For extra flavor, add 1 tsp of lemon or orange zest.If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil.Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Notes
Easter in Ukraine: Traditions, Symbolism, and Modern Customs
Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays, celebrated with deep reverence and joy. In Ukraine, this day has profound historical roots, blending ancient pagan traditions with Christian beliefs. Preparation for the holiday begins well in advance, and each symbol and ritual holds special significance.
Great Lent and Easter Preparations
Before Easter, Ukrainians observe Great Lent, which lasts 40 days. During this time, believers refrain from certain foods and entertainment, focusing on spiritual purification and prayer. Holy Week is especially important, as it commemorates the last days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. Holy Thursday, also known as Clean Thursday, is a day for thorough house cleaning, personal purification before sunrise, and baking Easter bread (paska). On Good Friday, churches hold a special service featuring the symbolic burial shroud of Christ. On Saturday evening, the Easter Vigil begins, flowing into the festive Sunday liturgy.
Symbolism and Key Easter Attributes
Easter in Ukraine is unimaginable without the traditional Easter basket, which families bring to church for blessing. The basket typically includes:- Paska – a special Easter bread symbolizing resurrection and new life. The preparation of paska is a sacred ritual passed down through generations. Every homemaker strives for a perfectly fluffy and well-risen bread, believed to bring prosperity for the year ahead.
- Pysanky and Krashanky – decorated Easter eggs symbolizing life and rebirth. Ukrainians have long mastered the art of egg decorating, with each region having its own unique patterns and techniques.
- Meat products – usually homemade sausage, salo (cured pork fat), or baked ham, representing abundance.
- Dairy products – cheese and butter, signifying divine blessings and prosperity.
- Horseradish – symbolizing strength and health.
- Salt – representing purification and protection from evil.
Modern Easter Traditions
Despite centuries-old customs, Easter in Ukraine continues to evolve. Many urban residents, even those who do not strictly observe Lent, eagerly prepare festive meals, decorate their homes with Easter-themed ornaments, and host family gatherings. In recent years, culinary experiments have gained popularity, with traditional paska recipes being enriched with new ingredients, and pysanky being crafted using modern techniques. Additionally, Easter fairs have become a beloved tradition in many cities. These markets offer handmade crafts, traditional treats, and workshops where visitors can learn the art of egg painting.
