Zimbabwean-style Celebration Bread

Ingredients

While the Ukrainian Korovai is typically made with wheat flour and decorated with wheat ears symbolizing prosperity, the Zimbabwean-style Celebration Bread incorporates local ingredients and flavors. This adaptation includes the use of maize flour, which is a staple in Zimbabwean cuisine, giving the bread a unique taste and texture. Additionally, the traditional wheat ear decorations are replaced with colorful seeds and nuts, reflecting the vibrant nature of Zimbabwean culture. We alse have the original recipe for Korovai, so you can check it out.

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (125g) maize flour 1 cup (125g) maize flour
• 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 2 teaspoons (10g) instant yeast 2 teaspoons (10g) instant yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (75g) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, chopped apricots, and cranberries) 1/2 cup (75g) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, chopped apricots, and cranberries)
• 1/4 cup (40g) mixed seeds and nuts (such as sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chopped almonds) 1/4 cup (40g) mixed seeds and nuts (such as sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chopped almonds)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 43g, 10g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, maize flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and honey. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Add the dried fruits and knead gently to distribute them evenly.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into three equal portions and roll each portion into a long rope.
7. 7.
   Braid the ropes together, tucking the ends under to seal.
8. 8.
   Transfer the braided bread to a greased baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. 10.
    Brush the bread with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle the mixed seeds and nuts on top.
11. 11.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Maize flour — Maize flour adds a unique flavor and texture to the bread. If you can't find maize flour, you can substitute it with cornmeal for a similar result.
• Mixed dried fruits — Soak the dried fruits in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will help them plump up and prevent them from drying out during baking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can replace the warm milk with coconut milk.
• Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits, seeds, and nuts to customize the bread to your liking.
• Serve the Zimbabwean-style Celebration Bread with a spread of butter or honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
• If the bread starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Leftover bread can be toasted and enjoyed with tea or coffee the next day.

Serving advice

Slice the Zimbabwean-style Celebration Bread and serve it as a centerpiece on a festive platter. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with spreads like butter, honey, or jam.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the bread just before serving. You can also garnish the platter with fresh flowers or herbs for an extra touch of elegance.