Karavai is a ceremonial bread—braided, crowned, and offered at weddings and blessings throughout Slavic cultures. The traditional version is rich with wheat, egg, and ornate detailing. This reimagining softens the symbolism into something more elemental.

With mashed potato and cassava as its base, these rolls hold their form without fluff or yeast. Braided, twisted, or simply knotted, they bake into tender rounds with subtle crisping at the edge. Dulse or poppy (in the evening) add texture and ritual. Served warm with herbed dips, they honor tradition not through indulgence, but intention.

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup mashed white potato (dry, well-cooked and cooled)

• ¾ cup cassava flour

• 2 tablespoons tapioca flour

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ cup filtered water (add slowly as needed)

Optional Topping

• 1 teaspoon dulse flakes, lightly pressed into surface before baking

• Optional (PM only): ½ teaspoon poppy seeds

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine cassava flour, tapioca flour, and sea salt.

3. Add mashed potato and lemon juice. Stir until crumbly. Gradually add water and knead until soft and pliable. Let rest 10 minutes.

4. Divide dough into 6–8 portions. Roll each into a rope and shape as desired—braid, twist, knot, or spiral.

5. Arrange on baking tray. Press dulse or poppy seeds gently into tops.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the rolls feel firm.

7. Let cool slightly. Serve warm.

To Serve

• With herbaceous carrot dip or garlic-thyme mash

• Alongside a root-vegetable pâté

• With cucumber-radish slaw and parsley tea

• Warm with lemony lentil purée

Notes from the Kitchen

• For best shaping, make sure the mashed potato is completely cooled and not too wet—otherwise, dough may break.

• Smaller ropes = better detail in braids. Gently press ends together to seal.

• Store at room temperature in parchment for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a dry pan or oven.

This isn’t a crown. It’s a cord. A loop. A twist. It’s the shape your hands make when you honor something by giving it form. No fluff. No frosting. Just grain-free bread with memory braided in.