Step into the heart of Belarusian culinary heritage with our delightful recipe for Sushki, a beloved traditional treat that has stood the test of time. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Belarus, Sushki are small, sweet, and wonderfully crunchy baked delights that have been cherished by generations. These golden rings are not just a snack but a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry that weaves through Belarusian cuisine.

In this culinary journey, we'll guide you through the process of crafting these sweet wonders, sharing insights into the cultural significance of Sushki in Belarus. Get ready to immerse yourself in the warmth of the kitchen as we explore the ingredients, techniques, and flavors that make Belarusian Sushki a cherished part of the country's culinary identity. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, this recipe invites you to create a taste of Belarusian tradition in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let's dive in and discover the joy of making and savoring these delightful Belarusian Sushki!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the sour cream, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.

Shape the Rings: Pinch off small portions of dough and roll them into ropes about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into 3-4 inch lengths and connect the ends to form rings. Place the rings on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.

Bake: Brush the tops of the sushki with a little milk to give them a golden color during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the sushki are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary.

Cool: Allow the sushki to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the sushki have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Serve and Enjoy: Your Belarusian Sushki are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with tea or coffee for a delightful snack, or share them with friends and family to celebrate the taste of Belarusian tradition.

These small, crunchy, sweet bread rings are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to experience the flavors of Belarusian cuisine. Enjoy your homemade Belarusian Sushki!

Nutritional Values

It's important to note that the nutritional values provided here are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient sizes. These values are based on standard nutritional information for common ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 186 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains some protein and fiber.
• Acts as a base for the structure of the sushki.

Sugar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 100 g
• Sugar: 100 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness to the sushki.
• Provides quick energy.
• Enhances flavor.

Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the sushki rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Regulates the fermentation process when present in dough.

Sour Cream (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 30 mg

benefits:

• Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Contributes to a tender texture.
• Provides a slight tangy flavor.

Unsalted Butter, melted (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 440 kcal
• Fat: 48 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits:

• Adds richness and flavor to the sushki.
• Contributes to a tender and moist texture.

Large Egg (1):

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Sodium: 70 mg

benefits:

• Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the dough together.
• Adds structure and richness to the sushki.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Enhances the overall flavor of the sushki.
• Adds a pleasant aroma.

Milk for brushing (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 5 mg

benefits:

• Helps achieve a golden brown color on the sushki during baking.
• Adds a hint of moisture to the surface.

Powdered Sugar (for dusting):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Sugar: 8 g

benefits:

• Provides a sweet and decorative finish.
• Enhances the visual appeal of the sushki.

Keep in mind that these values are per serving, and the entire recipe would yield multiple servings. Adjustments can be made based on specific dietary needs or preferences.