Easter bread

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Babka is a type of Easter bread that is traditionally made in Eastern European countries for the Easter holiday. The name "babka" is derived from the Slavic word "baba", which means "grandmother". This is likely due to the tall, fluted shape of the bread, which is said to resemble a grandmother's skirt.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "babka" comes from the Slavic word "baba", which translates to "grandmother" in English. This is thought to be a reference to the tall, fluted shape of the bread, which is said to resemble a grandmother's skirt. The term "babka" is used in various Slavic languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish.

Description[edit | edit source]

Babka is a sweet, yeasted bread that is traditionally baked for Easter in many Eastern European countries. It is typically made with a rich dough that includes ingredients such as eggs, sugar, and butter. The dough is often flavored with citrus zest or dried fruit, and it may be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as chocolate, nuts, or poppy seeds.

The dough is usually allowed to rise before being shaped into a tall, fluted form. This gives the bread its distinctive shape, which is said to resemble a grandmother's skirt. After baking, the bread is often glazed or dusted with powdered sugar.

Traditions[edit | edit source]

In many Eastern European cultures, babka is a traditional part of the Easter meal. It is often served as a dessert, but it may also be eaten for breakfast or as a snack. In some regions, it is customary to bless the babka at church before eating it on Easter Sunday.

Variations[edit | edit source]

There are many regional variations of babka. For example, in Poland, the bread is often filled with a sweet cheese filling. In Ukraine, it is common to add raisins or other dried fruit to the dough. In Russia, the bread is often flavored with honey and spices.

See also[edit | edit source]

Easter bread Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD