"Pampushki"
a Traditional Old-World Recipe
Makes: 8 portions. Preparation time: 85 minutes and overnight.
- 1 T. Fresh Yeast
- 1 t. Sugar
- 2 Cloves Crushed Garlic
- 1 Egg
- 2 T. Parsley (Chopped)
- 2 oz. Warm Water
- 1 C. White Flour (Divided)
- 3 T. Sunflower Oil*
- Salt
First make a "Sponge", a type of yeasty starter. Dissolve the Yeast and Sugar in the Warm (not hot) Water. Add a ½ cup of Flour and mix roughly. Cover with plastic wrap and leave to proof in the refrigerator overnight.
The next morning, add the rest of the Flour and ½ t. of Salt to the starter and knead on a well-floured work surface until the Dough is smooth and comes away from your hands easily. Divide the Dough into 8 pieces and shape into round buns. Put them side by side in an oiled round ovenproof dish or a 9 1/2-inch round cake tin or spring-form-pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them proof again, this time in a warm place, until they double in size. They will join together just like hot cross buns.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. To make the basting oil ahead, simply stir the Crushed Garlic and Parsley through the Oil with a small pinch of Salt and let it infuse.
When they look plump and ready, brush them generously with some beaten Egg to glaze and bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they form a glistening golden crust. Take them out and baste them with the Garlic/Parsley/Oil. Serve immediately by pulling them apart.
”Pampushki” - Pronounced "Pahm-Poosh-Kee", this is the traditional Ukrainian Pull-Apart Garlic Bread. It is usually served with Borsch or Kharcho Soups.
