| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 600 | 28g | 5g | 73g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 7g | 15g | 0.2g |
About Gluten-Free Tsoureki
Every culture bears a unique relationship with bread, and every culinary tradition brings its own distinct flair to this time-honored staple. For food lovers with dietary restrictions, Gluten-Free Tsoureki embraces those traditions without compromise and elevates them to flavorful new heights. Boasting its roots in Greek cuisine, this bread is a labor of love and authenticity, robust in texture, rich in taste, and filled with a symphony of flavors reminiscent of holidays and family gatherings.
Exploring the Flavors of Gluten-Free Tsoureki
Gluten-free Tsoureki is a variety of traditional Greek brioche. However, its distinctly Mediterranean flavor palette brings its own unique charm that sets it apart. Woven together by the intermingling aromatic notes of mahleb, a middle eastern spice, and the refreshing hint of orange zest, Tsoureki’s undeniable allure is its ability to incorporate complex flavors in a harmonious blend.
Despite being gluten-free, this bread guarantees an indulgent experience by using an inventive blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour, bound together with the elasticity of xanthan gum. The richness is enhanced by a lavish use of butter along with the moisture from almond milk and eggs, and sweetened subtly with sugar and a touch of honey.
Complementary Dishes and Serving Suggestions
Gluten-free Tsoureki is a versatile addition to any meal and pairs excellently with various dishes. As a breakfast bread, it’s delightful with a spread of cream cheese and a drizzle of honey. It’s also a fantastic complement to rich and hearty stews, enabling you to mop up flavorful sauces and gravies. In traditional Greek cuisine, Tsoureki often makes an appearance during Easter feasts, accompanying lamb dishes and egg-based delicacies.
If you want to experiment, consider serving slices of Tsoureki with a selection of cheeses and fruits for an inviting and upscale cheeseboard. For dessert, it could be served warm with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. With its golden glaze and almond garnish, Gluten-Free Tsoureki is not just an exciting addition to your repertoire of recipes; it could be the star of your next food gathering!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of Gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of Almond Flour
- 1 tablespoon of Xanthan Gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already contains it)
- 3/4 cup of Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
- 2.5 teaspoons of Instant Dry Yeast
- 1.5 teaspoons of Ground Mahleb (commonly found in Middle Eastern stores)
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1/2 cup of Almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup of Unsalted Butter (Melted and cooled)
- 1 tablespoon of Grated Orange Zest
- 1 tablespoon of Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoon of Brandy (optional)
- 3-4 tablespoons of Unsalted Butter (for brushing the Tsoureki)
- 1 tablespoon of Honey (for glazing the Tsoureki)
- 1/4 cup of Sliced Almonds (for garnishing the Tsoureki)
Method
Step One
Start by combining the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, xanthan gum (if using), sugar, salt, instant dry yeast, and ground mahleb in a large bowl. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and set them aside. Warm the almond milk until it is lukewarm, not hot, and then add the melted, cooled butter, grated orange zest, vanilla extract, and brandy (if using).
Step Three
Combine the egg mixture with the lukewarm milk mixture. Then, gradually add the combined liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough is well combined and it starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
Step Four
On a floured surface, knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Five
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a rope about 1-inch in diameter and braid the ropes together. Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise again for another hour.
Step Six
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the risen tsoureki with melted butter and sprinkle it with sliced almonds.
Step Seven
Bake the tsoureki for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top. When it is done, remove it from the oven and while it’s still hot, brush it with a mixture of melted butter and honey for a glossy finish.
Step Eight
Let the tsoureki cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve.
