Traditional Finnish Sweet Bread - Finnish Nissua Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Finnish cuisine with this traditional recipe for Finnish Nissua. This sweet bread is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for breakfast or as a treat with coffee. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can easily recreate the classic flavors of Finland in your own kitchen. Enjoy the heavenly aroma as this bread bakes to a golden brown, and savor each bite of this beloved Finnish delicacy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 packages (14 g each) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until foamy.
3. Add salt and ground cardamom to the yeast mixture.
4. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Continue adding flour until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
9. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a rope about 2 inches thick.
10. Cross the two ropes over each other to create a braided loaf.
11. Transfer the braided loaf to a greased baking sheet.
12. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
13. Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg.
14. If desired, sprinkle raisins on top of the loaf.
15. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
16. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Interesting Facts