Estonia

Karask (Barley Bread)

Level off measuring cups <br>to get the proper amounts.

Level off measuring cups
to get the proper amounts.

Karask is a traditional Estonian barley bread, often served with butter, cheese, or jam. It is also a common offering at traditional Estonian celebrations and holidays. Made with just a few ingredients, it is a healthy bread choice and can be used as a base for sandwiches.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Kosher

Halal

Ingredients

1¼ cups (150 g) barley flour
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (30 g) whole wheat flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) caraway seeds
1 egg
½ cup (120 ml) kefir or yogurt
2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch (23-cm) cast iron skillet with one tablespoon (15 ml) butter.
Into a mixing bowl, sift the three flours, salt, and baking powder.
Stir in sugar and caraway seeds.
In a small bowl, whisk egg, kefir, and oil, then add to dry ingredients. Mix well, but do not over mix.
Pour into skillet, smooth over, and drizzle over remaining butter.
Bake for 50 minutes to a light gold, or until a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
Serve warm with butter, honey, or lingonberry preserves.