Rising to Tradition: Homemade Raisin and Cardamom Bread

Family traditions are the threads that weave the fabric of our shared experiences, binding generations together with cherished memories. These are the rituals we do on a regular basis - whether it's the annual holiday gatherings filled with laughter and love, or the simple Sunday dinners where stories are exchanged over homemade meals, these traditions create a sense of continuity and belonging.

They're the things that we pass down from generation to generation, like baking grandma's secret recipe cookies or going on annual adventure trips. These traditions help us stay close and connected, even when we're far apart. And when we leave after a short visit, we miss our families even more because we know that it's the traditions that make us feel so at home.

I have just returned from Dubai, where I spent precious moments with my parents. Returning has evoked a bittersweet sensation. While the memories of our time together linger fondly in my mind, the quiet solitude of being back in my own space feels strangely empty. The laughter that filled the air during our family outings and the warmth of their embrace now seem like distant echoes. In the absence of their presence, every corner of my home feels a little colder, a little lonelier. Despite the modern marvels and vibrant experiences of Dubai, nothing compares to the simple joy of family time. I find myself yearning for those cherished moments, wishing I could turn back the clock and relive them once more. Until our paths cross again, I carry their love in my heart, eagerly awaiting the next reunion.

As Easter approaches, I am hoping that it will bring with it the promise of joy and togetherness with my small family. To lift my spirits a little I embark on the delightful journey of Easter preparations, filling our home with the aroma of freshly baked treats and the vibrant hues of spring decorations. I look forward to gathering around the kitchen table, laughter and conviviality fill the space, dispelling the lingering sense of emptiness left by my recent return from Dubai. Together with my husband and son, we will be dying eggs, baking batches of hot cross buns, and plan our Easter Sunday festivities. As we eagerly await the arrival of Easter morning, I am grateful for the love and companionship that surround me, knowing that with my loved ones by my side - those near and far, every moment is filled with meaning and happiness.

This Easter, we embark on a special baking project that holds a poignant reminder of my mother's culinary talents. Inspired by her delicious creations, we've decided to bake a homemade raisin bread, a nostalgic nod to the comforting aromas that once filled our family kitchen. As we gather the ingredients and roll up our sleeves, memories of my mother effortlessly kneading dough and carefully folding in plump raisins flood my mind. While this recipe may not be an exact replica of her masterful baking, each step brings us closer to capturing the essence of those cherished moments spent together. As the scent of cinnamon and warm bread wafts through the kitchen, I can't help but feel a sense of comfort and connection, knowing that with every slice, we honor the legacy of love and tradition she imparted upon us.

Recipe: Homemade Raisin and Cardamom Bread

Print Recipe

By Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 1 hour 10 min - 85 minutes rest time
Makes: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 200 ml milk + extra for brushing
• 75g butter + extra for the form, at room temperature
• 14g yeast, fresh
• 70g sugar
• 500g flour + extra to knead the dough, type 405
• 1 egg
• a good pinch of ground cardamom, as to your taste
• Pinch of salt
• 150g raisins

Method

1. Heat the milk and butter in a pan until the butter has melted. Leave to cool until the mixture is only lukewarm. Pour the mixture into a bowl. Crumble in the yeast and sprinkle over the sugar. Using a stand mixer stir on low with a whisk until the yeast has dissolved.
2. Add the egg and mix into the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook start mixing the flour with the cardamom and salt. Gradually incorporate all the flour. Knead for 5 minutes, then remove from the bowl and knead briefly with your hands on a lightly floured work surface. Now work the raisins into the dough.
3. Cover the dough and leave to rise in a warm place for approx. 45 minutes. Work the dough with your hands again, then shape into an oblong shape and place in a greased loaf pan (30 cm). Cover again and leave to rise for 40 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees top/bottom heat (fan oven: 160 degrees). Brush the raisin bread with milk. Bake on the lowest shelf in the oven for approx. 40 minutes. After baking, turn out of the pan after a few minutes and leave to cool.

Tips and Notes

To prevent the bread from getting too dark: If the bread starts to get too dark, simply cover it with some aluminium foil and finish baking after the regular time.
Soak Raisins: Before incorporating them into the dough, soak the raisins in warm water or a flavorful liquid (such as rum or orange juice) to plump them up and infuse them with extra moisture and flavour.
Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, resulting in a soft and elastic texture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and supple.
Incorporate Flavorful Additions: Consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the bread. You can also add nuts or citrus zest for additional texture and taste. Or if you are not a fan of raisins you can use dried blueberries or cranberries too.

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Verdict

Cardamom is one of the world’s most ancient spices and an expensive spice, second only to saffron. It boasts of wonderful citrusy, minty and floral notes and captures an exotic essence in all of the dishes it is added to. It is not the most subtle of spices but if it is used properly it will take a simple sweet or savory dish to new heights adding layers of exciting flavor.

The taste of our homemade raisin and cardamom bread is a harmonious blend of sweet and aromatic flavors that dance on the palate with each bite. The plump raisins add a natural sweetness that is complemented by the warm, slightly citrusy notes of cardamom. As you sink your teeth into the soft, tender crumb of the bread, the subtle spice of the cardamom gently lingers, while the juicy bursts of raisins provide delightful pockets of sweetness. It's a delightful balance of flavors, evoking a sense of comfort and indulgence with every mouthful.

You'll love my other Easter Breads:

Orange and Pistachio Sweet Challah	Cardamom Infused Challah	Cardamom Orange Easter Bread

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