Sankta Lucia Bread

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 11
Scrumptious Swedish Sankta Lucia Bread perfect for holiday season
in Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon saffron strand
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cardamom seed
1 cup milk , lukewarm
125 g butter
2 cups flour , bread
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons yeast , dry
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup currants
1 egg , lightly beaten

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12 slices
Calories
252
Sugar
24g
Fat
9.7g
Sankta Lucia bread, also known as saffron bread, is a traditional Swedish sweet bread baked during the Christmas season and other winter festivals. The bread is flavored with saffron, which gives it its signature golden color and spiced with cardamom, giving it a festive aroma. In some parts of Sweden, it's customary to serve it with juice or coffee in the morning of St. Lucia day. This bread has a dense and chewy texture, making it perfect for toasting and spreading with butter. It's an easy and delicious way to bring some Swedish holiday cheer to your home.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, combine saffron, 1 tsp sugar, and cardamom, and add 2 tbsp of milk. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
2.In a saucepan, heat butter and remaining milk over low heat until butter is melted. Set aside to cool.
3.In a mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, and mix well. Make a well in the center.
4.Add proofed saffron and milk into the well and give it a stir with a wooden spoon.
5.Pour in the milk and butter mixture to create a wet sticky dough. Mix the currants into the dough.
6.Knead the dough in the bowl for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7.Cover the mixing bowl with cling wrap. Let it rise for about 1 hour in a warm place with no draft.
8.Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly butter a baking tray .
9.Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface; shape into a longish loaf and place it on the baking sheet.
10.Brush the beaten egg over the bread and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

PROS

Sankta Lucia bread is a delicious Swedish treat that’s perfect for any holiday season.

This bread is rich in flavors and perfectly spiced with saffron, cardamom, and sweet currants.

CONS

This bread is high in sugar and calories and should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It also requires proper kneading and rising time, which may be time-consuming for some.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Sankta Lucia bread may not be the healthiest food, it does contain nutrients that can benefit your health.
Saffron used in the recipe has been shown to help improve mood, reduce PMS symptoms, and aid in digestion. Cardamom is loaded with antioxidants and helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Currants also contain vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy diet.

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