Delicious and Healthy Recipes for Food Lovers
I invite you to explore the unrivaled tastes of traditional Croatian baking with this Okrugli Vrsak (Croatian bread) recipe. This simple yet complex recipe combines flour, baking powder, and eggs, amongst other ingredients like vanilla, raisins, and poppy seeds, to achieve a fluffy yet dense texture that is deliciously irresistible.
Croatian bread-making has a rich history that has been passed down from generation to generation. Okrugli Vrsak, also known as Fried dough, is a popular pastry found throughout Croatia and Eastern Europe. Its round shape and light golden crust make it an instant showstopper on any table setting.
Step out of your comfort zone with this bread recipe that is sure to challenge your palate in new and exciting ways. The rustic aroma of freshly-baked bread will fill the air as the symphony of flavors bursts onto your taste buds.
This recipe is perfect for upcoming Croatian Easter celebrations or for enjoying as a daily treat with Croatian ham or hearty stews. In addition, it’s a vegan-friendly option and versatile enough for substitutions like gluten-free flour.
Join the ranks of recipe hunters seeking out delightful foods from new cultures while impressing your friends and family with this delicious masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a bread recipe that is sure to impress all of your friends? Look no further than Okrugli Vrsak, the traditional Croatian bread that is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
What makes this bread so special? For starters, it’s packed with flavorful ingredients like raisins, poppy seeds, and lemon. These flavors come together beautifully to create a rich and savory taste that will have you coming back for more. And if that wasn’t enough, the recipe also includes vanilla and confectioners’ sugar, giving this bread a touch of sweetness that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
But what truly sets Okrugli Vrsak apart is its unique texture. With baking powder mixed together with flour, each bite is light and airy while still maintaining the perfect level of density to keep you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re eating it on its own or pairing it with some of Croatia’s famous ham or other bread recipes, Okrugli Vrsak has something to offer for everyone’s palate.
Additionally, this bread recipe is incredibly versatile! While traditionally served during holidays like Easter as Croatian Lepinja bread or Croatian Easter bread, there’s no reason not to indulge in this delicious dish year-round. The dough can even be fried to create a mouthwatering fried dough that begs to be dipped in your favorite savory sauce. The possibilities are endless with this recipe!
So whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out on your culinary journey, Okrugli Vrsak is the perfect way to step up your baking game and impress all those around you. Don’t believe us? Give it a try for yourself – we promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Okrugli Vrsak, a traditional Croatian bread recipe that is known for its delicious taste and unique texture. This recipe requires simple ingredients that are easily available at your nearest grocery store. To get the perfect taste and texture, make sure you measure out all ingredients accurately.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or oleo, softened
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Salt (1/2 tsp)
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Baking powder (3 tsp)
- Raisins
- Poppy seeds
Optional:
– Croatian ham
Note: If you’re using unsalted butter or oleo, add an extra pinch of salt to your list.
Pro tip: For added flavor and authentic taste, it is recommended to use Croatian ham in this recipe. However, feel free to skip it if you’re a vegetarian or simply prefer it without the ham.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start baking your own Okrugli Vrsak. Follow these simple steps to create a classic Croatian bread that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 tablespoon of poppy seed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar (for bread dough)
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of butter at room temperature
Step One: Prepare the Dough
First, gather all the ingredients needed for the dough. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Afterward, one at a time, add the eggs and beat well until fully incorporated.
Next up are flavorings. Add in the vanilla, lemon zest, and pinch of salt, and mix well these ingredients to give your okrugli vrsak that delicious taste.
After achieving a homogeneous mixture, slowly begin adding in flour until everything is combined. Do not forget to mix in the tablespoon of poppy seeds before adding all four cups of flour and lastly, fold in the cup of raisins into the mixture. Cover it with a tea towel once you are done.
Step Two: Bake Your Okrugli Vrsak
Preheat your oven to 350 F/175 C. Once heated, take out your dough which should have risen over time when covered. Then divide it into two round balls by shaping it with well-floured hands.
Place each ball onto a greased baking sheet then bake them in preheated oven after letting them raised almost double their size for around one hour or until golden brown.
Take out your Okrugli Vrsak from the heat and let it cool down before serving.
Congratulations! You’ve made Okrugli Vrsak – Croatian’s traditional bread recipe that can be served hot or cold on any occasion.
Try pairing it with Croatian Ham Bread recipe or with other traditional dishes like Lepinja bread or Easter bread from our homeland cuisine.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe for Okrugli Vrsak bread is a traditional Croatian recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, there are still some substitutions and variations that you can make to personalize the dish to your liking.
For starters, if you are not a fan of raisins, you can swap them out for another fruit. Dried cranberries or cherries would be a great alternative to raisins. If you’re not a fan of dried fruit altogether, feel free to leave it out entirely.
Another ingredient that can be substituted is poppy seeds. While they add a nice crunch to the bread, they can be omitted or replaced with sesame seeds or flaxseeds.
If you don’t have any lemons on hand, you can use orange zest instead for similar citrusy notes. Additionally, vanilla extract can also be traded in for almond extract to give the bread a different dimension of flavor.
For those who are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, oleo can be used in place of butter without sacrificing much in taste or texture.
Finally, while this recipe traditionally calls for Croatian ham as an accompaniment, other cured meats like salami or prosciutto could also pair well with the Okrugli Vrsak bread.
Don’t hesitate to experiment and adapt this recipe to your own preferences – after all, recipes are just guidelines, and cooking is all about exploring different tastes and cooking styles.
Serving and Pairing
With its sweet and buttery flavor, the Okrugli Vrsak is a versatile bread that can be served either as a part of your meal or as a stand-alone snack. The Croatian Ham Bread recipe is especially delicious when paired with savory meats and cheeses. It also goes well with jams and other sweet spreads for breakfast or afternoon tea.
For a perfect pairing, try slicing the bread thinly and topping it off with creamy brie cheese, ham slices, raisins or poppy seeds. This will bring out the sweetness of the bread and complement its nutty flavor.
A great way to serve this bread is by toasting it lightly then spreading some butter all over it, dust it with powdered sugar and you’ll have an excellent midday snack or a light dessert to enjoy at any time of the day. Whether you choose to serve it on its own, or as part of your meals, Okrugli Vrsak croatian bread is sure to delight your palate since it’s both traditional and unique in taste.
This traditional Croatian bread recipe holds many stories of family gatherings important celebrations like weddings or Easter feasts where families would prepare this delicacy together. Today we can recreate their beloved memories for our loved ones as a unique conversation subject—whether baking from scratch or indulging store-bought loaves.
So go ahead, get creative and explore unique ways to incorporate this exceptional Croatian Okrugli Vrsak bread recipe into your diet. Enjoy every bite, share it with your loved ones or keep it for yourself, but make sure to save some room for more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re anything like me, you love being able to prepare food ahead of time. Luckily, the Okrugli Vrsak recipe lends itself well to making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
In terms of storage, this Croatian bread keeps very well. After baking, allow the bread to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any moisture from getting in. You can store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To reheat the bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and warm it up in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can slice the bread and toast it in a toaster or under a broiler for a few minutes.
A great tip for reheating Okrugli Vrsak is to sprinkle some water on top of the bread before reheating. This will help keep the bread moist and prevent it from drying out.
Whether you’re making this bread for a special occasion or just want to have some on hand for breakfasts and snacks throughout the week, the Okrugli Vrsak recipe is a fantastic choice that is easy to store and reheat.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfection in baking can be quite an intimidating task, but fear not, for these tips will help you get that perfect Okrugli Vrsak bread recipe every single time. Here are some essential tips that are sure to take your baking up a notch:
Firstly, when preparing your dough, keep all your ingredients at room temperature to ensure an even rise. This is particularly important for eggs and butter.
Secondly, when incorporating the flour with the rest of the ingredients, make sure to sift it first. Sifting removes any lumps and makes the dough lighter.
Thirdly, don’t forget to set aside time to allow the dough to rise. Make sure you store it in a warm place away from air-conditioning or drafts.
Fourthly, if you want your Okrugli Vrsak bread to have a golden crust color, brush the top with milk before popping it in the oven.
Fifthly, adding a teaspoon of baking powder into the mixture will help create an airy texture that’s perfect for this bread.
Sixthly, If you’re a fan of croatian ham bread recipes like this one, try an alternative version using poppy seeds or raisins. These add crunch or chewy textures and unique flavor notes that complement croatian Easter bread perfectly.
Lastly, when baking your bread, look out for signs like a hollow sound when tapped on the base indicating it is fully cooked through. Then allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you are sure to get perfect results with traditional Croatian bread recipes such as Okrugli Vrsak croatian bread or even croatian Lepinja bread every single time! Happy baking!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are a lover of traditional baked goods or looking for a new and exciting recipe to try out, then the Okrugli Vrsak (Croatian bread) should definitely be on your list. With its wholesome and delectable flavour, you will not regret taking the time to bake this bread.
This recipe provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with raisins, poppy seeds, and the zesty goodness of lemon. It also features easy-to-find ingredients, so you won’t have to break the bank just to make it.
Furthermore, with our tips and recommendations for perfect results, you can guarantee that your loaf will come out fluffy and golden brown every time. Whether you are serving it alone or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal, this bread is sure to impress.
So why not grab your apron and get baking? We are sure that once you taste the Okrugli Vrsak (Croatian bread), it’ll become a staple in your home kitchen and a hit amongst your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Get started on this delicious bread recipe today!
Okrugli Vrsak (Croatian bread) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter or 1 1/2 cups oleo
- 1 lb confectioners' sugar
- 6 eggs
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon almond flavoring
- 1 lemon, peel grated
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- mixed fruit or poppy seed
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, one at a time, and beat well.
- Add all the flavorings and salt.
- Add flour and baking powder which you have mixed together, one cup at a time.
- Mix only long enough to make it creamy.
- Sprinkle a little flour on raisins or fruit mix if you add them.
- Or add nuts or poppy seed.
- Bake in tube pan or loaf pan for 1 hour and 15-25 minutes, or until done, at 325 F.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.