Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
  
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  
• 1 tablespoon sugar
  
• 4 tablespoons sunflower oil (or other neutral oil)
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 5 cups flour
  

Directions

• In a large bowl mix the warm water, sugar, yeast, and one cup of flour.
  
• Mix with a spoon until smooth.
  
• Let stand for about 15 minutes.
  
• Mix in the oil and the salt.
  
• Start adding the rest of the flour, mixing until it is incorporated and the dough comes together.
  
• Turn out onto a floured and oiled surface and knead until dough is smooth, about 10 minutes.
  
• Place in a greased bowl, cover and let stand in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size.
  
• Turn out of bowl onto floured surface.
  
• Deflate the dough by kneading gently and let rest 15 minutes.
  
• Divide dough into six pieces and shape each piece into a rope.
  
• Braid three pieces into a loaf; repeat with remaining pieces.
  
• Place each braid into a greased loaf pan, cover and let rise until nearly doubled.
  
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  
• Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  
• Turn out of pans and brush with a little oil.
  

#staplefood

Recipe submitted by Peace Corps Moldova staff.