Tsoureki (Sweet Greek Easter Bread)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 14
Tsoureki (Sweet Greek Easter Bread) recipe
in Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

2 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 cup milk
4 1/2 - 5 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter , softened
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
379
Sugar
15g
Fat
12g
Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread that is typically enjoyed during Easter and other holidays. It is rich in flavor and aroma, due to the use of ingredients such as orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The bread is braided to create a beautiful appearance, and can be a centerpiece for any festive table. Though it requires some patience to make, the end result is a delicious treat that is sure to impress family and friends.

Instructions

1.In a small saucepan, heat the milk to just below boiling and remove from heat. Let cool.
2.In a large bowl, combine 4 1/2 cups of the flour, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, salt, butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Add to the flour mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
4.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
5.Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6.Punch down the dough and knead it briefly. Divide it into three equal parts and roll each part out into a long rope. Braid the ropes together and form into a circle or oval.
7.Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the braided bread on a greased baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8.Brush the bread with a beaten egg or milk and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

PROS

Tsoureki is a sweet, fragrant bread that is perfect for Easter and other holidays.
It is soft and tender with a beautiful braided appearance, making it an impressive addition to any table.

It can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings such as butter, jam, or honey.

CONS

This bread can be time-consuming to make, as it requires several rising periods.

It is also high in calories and carbs, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While tsoureki is not particularly healthy, it does contain some beneficial nutrients such as protein and calcium from the milk, and vitamin C from the orange juice and zest. Eating this bread occasionally as part of a balanced diet can be a source of enjoyment and cultural celebration.

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