Description
Sweet Tsoureki bread weaves traditional Greek flavors into a delightful celebration of Easter traditions. Fragrant with orange zest and mahlepi spice, this bread brings Mediterranean warmth to your holiday table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons anise seed
- 2 to 4 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups milk
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Olive oil
Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, dyed red and fully dried
Instructions
- Awaken the yeast by whisking it with warm water, a touch of flour, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly over 10 minutes.
- Gently warm milk in a saucepan until edges shimmer, then remove from heat. Incorporate butter, remaining sugar, and salt. Cool the mixture for a brief moment.
- Merge the yeast and milk mixtures in the stand mixer. Introduce beaten eggs gradually while stirring with the paddle attachment. Fold in flour, fragrant anise seed, and vanilla extract until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
- Transfer the sticky dough to a floured surface and knead meticulously for approximately 5 minutes, creating a smooth texture. Nestle the dough into an oiled bowl, drape with a cover, and let it rest in a warm environment until it doubles in volume.
- Deflate the risen dough and divide into three equal segments. Roll each portion into lengthy 16-inch strands. Arrange the ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, weaving them into a loose braid. Transform the braid into a circular shape, sealing the ends and stretching to create a 10-inch diameter with a central opening.
- Shield the shaped loaf with a clean cloth and allow a second rise in a warm space until the volume dramatically increases.
- Tenderly massage dyed hard-boiled eggs with olive oil, buffing them to a gentle sheen. Carefully nestle the eggs into predetermined spots within the dough. Return the loaf to its warm sanctuary for another hour of rising.
- Ignite the oven to 350°F. Lovingly brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Bake until the bread transforms into a golden masterpiece, producing a hollow sound when tapped.
- Permit the bread to cool and settle for half an hour before presenting. Serve alongside additional eggs, a drizzle of honey, or complementary breakfast delicacies.
Notes
- Adapt the yeast activation temperature precisely to ensure proper rising, using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Knead the dough gently to maintain its delicate texture, avoiding overworking which can make the bread tough.
- Add sesame seeds or other toppings like sliced almonds for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Experiment with alternative flavors by substituting anise seed with orange zest or cardamom for a different aromatic profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg