This recipe for Karask, or Traditional Estonian Barley Bread comes from Estonian holistic health coach and wellness expert, Marika Blossfeldt. Based on an Estonian Folk Recipe, Marika has adjusted the recipe for Essential Nourishment to include only whole foods and natural sweeteners. I had the opportunity to meet Marika at The 2012 Taste Awards in Hollywood, California.
The flavor of Karask is delicate; similar to Traditional Irish Soda Bread. The barley flour lends a hint of nuttiness. For a sweeter bread, include raisins, nuts or other fruits. For added instruction and entertainment, watch the How to Make Traditional Estonian Barley Bread Video.
Ingredients for Karask – Traditional Estonian Barley Bread:
4.5 ounces Farmer Cheese
1 cup Keifer (or Yogurt)
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon honey
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup Barley Flour
1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Tablespoon baking soda
NOTES: Makes one loaf Karask. I used a standard-size loaf pan and increased the honey to one Tablespoon. I reduced the oven temperature to 375(F) and baked for 30 minutes. If you don’t have barley flour, you can grind your own in a grain mill or Vitamix. In place of the farmer cheese, you can use ricotta. As with any quick bread, Karask is best enjoyed right away.
Directions for Traditional Estonian Barley Bread:
1) Preheat the oven to 400(F).
2) Line a rectangular baking pan (5 x 10 inches) with parchment paper.
3) Combine the farmer cheese, kefir, egg, salt and honey in a bowl and mix until smooth.
4) Stir in melted butter.
5) Combine the flours with the baking soda and add to the batter. Mix well.
6) Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. To check whether the bread is ready, insert a wooden toothpick into the center. When the toothpick comes out dry, the bread is done.
7) Serve with butter or onion butter (caramelized onions). Serves 8.
For added instruction and entertainment, watch the How to Make Traditional Estonian Barley Bread Video, give it a thumbs up and please subscribe to my channel on YouTube.
If you had to choose between banana bread and waffles which one would you pick?
The fate of lol cats depends on your answer!
I’d choose waffles :)
Barley is such an underappreciated grain. Great to see it being used to make healthy, tasty recipes!
This is a fantastic recipe! The flavour and texture are great. The bread slices well and toasts up nicely (though does tend to burn a little on the corners in my toaster).
I substituted 2 tsp molasses for the honey and baked at 375 C for about 40 minutes. Its just wonderful.
Thank you for a recipe that actually turns out the first try, and is so easy to make!