Name: Finnish Pulla / Nisu
Yield: 2 loaves
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1½ cups warm soy milk; 2¼ tsp active dry yeast; ⅓ cup sugar; ⅓ cup melted vegan butter; ½ tsp salt; 1 to 2 tsp ground cardamom, optional but traditional; 4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2 Tbsp soy milk for brushing; Coarse sugar for topping, optional

INGREDIENTS

2 loaves

1½ cups warm soy milk
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
⅓ cup sugar
⅓ cup melted vegan butter
½ tsp salt
1 to 2 tsp ground cardamom, optional but traditional
4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp soy milk for brushing
Coarse sugar for topping, optional

METHOD

Make it

1
Stir the warm soy milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the sugar together. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2
Stir in the remaining sugar, melted vegan butter, salt, and cardamom if using.
3
Add flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
4
Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5
Put in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise about 1 hour, until doubled.
6
Divide into 2 portions and shape into plain loaves.
7
Put into greased loaf pans or on a lined baking sheet.
8
Cover and let rise another 30 to 45 minutes.
9
Brush lightly with soy milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want.
10
Bake at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, until golden.
11
Cool before slicing.

Cooking notes

Use ½–1 tsp cardamom for a milder version, or omit for a plain test loaf.