Cardamom Twist

Name: Cardamom Twist
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf (18 slices).
Cuisine: Comfort Food Bread Recipes, Comfort Food Recipes, Comfort Food Vegetarian Recipes
Ingredients: 1/2 cup medium carrot, sliced; 4 teaspoons cardamom pods; 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1-3/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 3/4 cup sugar; 1/3 cup canola oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 4-3/4 to 5-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; TOPPING:; 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon water; 2 teaspoons coarse sugar

This golden bread has a soft, tender texture and the perfect amount of cardamom flavor in every bite. Slices are especially good with a cream cheese spread or fresh honey butter. —Carla Miller, Pasco, Washington

Ingredients

1/2 cup medium carrot, sliced
4 teaspoons cardamom pods
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1-3/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
4-3/4 to 5-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
TOPPING:
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons coarse sugar

Directions

Place 1 in. of water in a small saucepan; add carrot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 6-8 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid; cool slightly. Transfer carrot and reserved cooking liquid to a small food processor; process until smooth.
Remove seeds from cardamom pods; discard pods. Coarsely crush seeds with a mortar and pestle.
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine crushed cardamom, sugar, oil, salt, pureed carrot, yeast mixture and 2-1/2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each into a 25-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Pinch ends together, forming a round loaf.
Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°.
In a small bowl, whisk egg white and water until blended; brush over loaf. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.