Palyanytsya is a traditional Ukrainian flatbread that is often served as a substitute for regular bread. It can be made with a variety of fillings, such as honey, apples, or poppy seeds. This recipe is for a basic palyanytsya that is made in a bread machine.
Ingredients:
For the sponge:
- 125 grams (1/2 cup) warm water
- 10 grams (1 teaspoon) fresh yeast
- 225 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
For the dough:
- 150 grams (1/2 cup) warm water
- 7 grams (1 teaspoon) salt
- 10 grams (1 teaspoon) sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 275 grams (2 cups) bread flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- To make the sponge, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Pour the sponge into the bread machine bowl. Add the flour and select the dough cycle. Let the dough knead for 10-15 minutes, or until it forms a smooth ball.
- Turn off the bread machine and let the dough rise for 3 hours.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the salt, sugar, and milk in the warm water.
- Pour the water mixture over the sponge and knead by hand or with a mixer until smooth.
- Add the flour and select the dough cycle again. After 10 minutes of kneading, add the oil.
- Once the dough has finished kneading, remove it from the bread machine and shape it into a ball. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C (400 degrees F). Place a wide pan filled with water on the bottom of the oven.
- 20 minutes before baking, make a deep cut in the top of the loaf, about 3/4 of the way down. This will create the characteristic “visor” of a palyanytsya.
- Brush the loaf with a solution of 1 tablespoon water, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of baking soda. Sprinkle with a thin layer of flour.
- Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, without changing the temperature or removing the water from the oven.
- Once the bread is baked, brush it with butter and cover it with a towel. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Enjoy!
Tips:
- If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand.
- You can add different fillings to the dough, such as honey, apples, or poppy seeds.
- Palyanytsya can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.