Low Sodium Houska (Czech Braided Bread)

Experience the delicate charm of Czech baking with this Low Sodium Houska, a traditional braided bread that’s both beautiful and heart-healthy. This recipe swaps out conventional salted ingredients for a flavorful unsalted vegetable broth, creating a soft, pillowy loaf with reduced sodium. Studded with sweet raisins and crunchy slivered almonds, and lightly brushed with milk for a golden crust, this bread is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Its subtly sweet flavor, enhanced with vanilla, makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Finished with an optional dusting of powdered sugar, this intricate bread is surprisingly simple to prepare thanks to straightforward braiding techniques. Ideal for those seeking healthier baked goods without compromising on tradition or taste, this low-sodium houska is a must-try centerpiece for any table!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 50 grams Granulated sugar
• 75 grams Unsalted butter
• 250 milliliters Low-sodium or unsalted vegetable broth
• 10 grams Instant yeast
• 2 large Eggs
• 100 grams Raisins
• 50 grams Slivered almonds
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Milk (for brushing)
• 10 grams Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and unsalted butter over low heat until the butter melts. Set aside and let it cool to lukewarm.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and instant yeast.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat one egg and add it to the flour mixture along with the cooled broth mixture and vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients until a dough starts to form.

Step 4

Stir in the raisins and slivered almonds.

Step 5

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 7

After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal pieces.

Step 8

Roll each piece into a long rope and loosely braid them together, pinching the ends to seal.

Step 9

Place the braided dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it loosely with a towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 11

Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the risen dough to give it a glossy finish.

Step 12

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 13

Remove the houska from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Step 14

Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1182.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3381.4

Total Fat 103.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 542.1mg	0%
Sodium 361.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 541.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.0g	0%
Total Sugars 131.9g
Protein 83.9g	0%

Vitamin D 102IU	0%
Calcium 417.5mg	0%
Iron 29.3mg	0%
Potassium 2217.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.2%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 63.1%