A delightful Scandinavian-inspired bread infused with aromatic herbs and a tender texture, perfect for gatherings or everyday enjoyment.
Activate the yeast by dissolving it in the warm water and letting it sit until frothy.
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Warm the cottage cheese slightly and mix it with sugar, onion, butter, dill, caraway seeds, salt, baking soda, and egg.
Warming the cottage cheese helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
Combine the yeast mixture with the wet mixture and stir well.
Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the yeast.
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a stiff dough forms.
Add the flour in small increments to avoid overmixing.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Knead for at least 8 minutes to develop the gluten structure.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising.
Punch down the dough, divide it into two portions, and shape each into a loaf.
Handle the dough gently to retain some of the air bubbles for a lighter texture.
Place the loaves into greased loaf pans and let them rise again until doubled.
Cover the pans with a towel to prevent the dough from drying out.
Bake the loaves in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 1 hour or until golden brown.
Tap the bottom of the loaf; a hollow sound indicates it's fully baked.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Letting the bread cool completely ensures clean slices and optimal texture.