| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 558 | 17g | 3g | 140g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 44g | 2g | 18g | 0.14g |
About Tsoureki
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Tsoureki, Greece’s answer to a perfectly baked sweet bread. Not to be confined to the realm of breakfast or tea-time snacking, this mouthwatering delicacy deserves a spotlight all to itself, owing to its unique blend of flavor profiles. Studded with cardamom or mahlepi, laden with an orange zest’s fragrant undernotes and a hint of vanilla, this bready masterpiece elevates the term ‘comfort food’ to another level.
More Than Just a Bread
While it shares some similarities with the likes of challah and brioche, Tsoureki distinguishes itself through the introduction of warm and enveloping spices in its dough. The optional addition of hard-boiled eggs, dyed red, placed on top of the bread further sets it apart, a symbol denoting life, rebirth, and the blood of Christ, an eloquent nod towards the bread’s deep-rooted cultural and religious significance in Greece, especially during Easter.
Enjoy a slice of Tsoureki for breakfast, perhaps lightly toasted and smeared with a dollop of honey butter, or pair it alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. Its versatility makes it a delightful addition to any mealplan.
The Flourishing Flavors of Tsoureki
Incorporating flavor-soaked staple ingredients, this Greek bread fascinates both the seasoned bakers and beginners with its sublime interplay of textures and tastes. The bread’s infusion with the aroma of orange zest and vanilla extract gives it a soft whisper of citrusy freshness, while notes of mahlepi or cardamom give it an exotic touch. To top it all off, the egg wash helps achieve an enviable bronze crust that captivates the eyes long before gratifying the taste buds.
Tsoureki’s sweetness is balanced enough to permit the topping of slivered almonds or sesame seeds without overwhelming the palate. The incorporation of the melted butter in the dough imparts it a richness that is hard to resist, making Tsoureki a well-deserved treat any time of the day.
Thinking of diving into the baking process? You don’t need to be an expert at kneading or proofing. Just a bit of patience, and the aroma of this bread will soon enough take over your kitchen, making the wait worthwhile and rewarding.
So why not give Tsoureki a chance to enthral your tastebuds? This Greek sweet bread is all about showcasing baking as an art form, bringing together tradition, taste, and aroma in one loaf.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 2 packets (4 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 5 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon of ground mahlepi or cardamom (optional)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Finely grated zest of 1 orange
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk (for egg wash)
- Slivered almonds or sesame seeds (for topping)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, dyed red (optional)
Method
Step One
Warm milk to a lukewarm temperature and dissolve the yeast in it. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until it gets activated.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour in the yeast/milk mixture.
Step Three
Melt the butter let it cool before adding 5 eggs. Beat the eggs into your mixture till well combined, then add mahlepi or cardamom (if using) followed by vanilla extract, and the zest of one orange.
Step Four
Add the wet mixture to the well in the dry mixture. Mix using a spatula or your hands until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more milk. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour.
Step Five
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm place to rise. This should take about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Six
Punch down the dough to release the air and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. To form the braid, pinch the ends of the three ropes together at the top and then braid the ropes. Pinch the ends together at the bottom.
Step Seven
Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the loaf with the egg yolk that’s been mixed with milk. If desired, sprinkle the loaf with slivered almonds or sesame seeds and nest the dyed eggs into the braid.
Step Eight
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, bake the loaf in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread has a nice golden color.
Step Nine
Allow to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Tsoureki!
