English Saffron Bread

4.5
(36)

The exotic scents of saffron and lemon will fill your kitchen when you bake this beautiful braided bread.

5
5
5
5
Prep Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time:
1 mins
Additional Time:
59 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
15
Yield:
1 loaf

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups milk

  • 1 cup butter

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 2 teaspoons saffron

  • ½ cup hot water

  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

  1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat; add butter, sugar and stir until melted. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, soak the saffron in the hot water, let cool until lukewarm, drain and reserve the liquid.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk mixture with the reserved saffron water and eggs. Add the yeast and stir to dissolve. Add the salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon zest and 4 cups of the flour; mix well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

  3. Lightly oil a large mixing, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

  4. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces, form into 14 inch long 'ropes'. Braid the 'ropes' together and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.

  5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove to a wire rack and cool.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

368 Calories
14g Fat
53g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 15
Calories 368
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 59mg 20%
Sodium 419mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 53g 19%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 1mg 6%
Calcium 47mg 4%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 126mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.