Vasilopeta (Greek New Year’s Bread)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 12
Vasilopeta (Greek New Year's Bread) Recipe for a Prosperous New Year
in Bread

Prep

2 hr 30min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

3 hr 15 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup water
2 cups warm milk
1 teaspoon salt
10 -11 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs , plus
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup unsalted butter or 1/2 cup margarine , melted
1 teaspoon fresh-grated lemon , rind of
1 large egg , beaten with
2 tablespoons water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
2 loaves
Calories
163 per slice
Sugar
7g
Fat
3g
Vasilopeta, or Greek New Year's Bread, is a traditional sweet bread that forms part of many New Year's celebrations in Greek households and usually served with honey drizzle on top. The bread is circular, symbolizing the idea of continuity and cyclicality, and has a coin baked inside to bring good luck to the person who finds it. The recipe requires some preparation and baking time, but it's well worth it to welcome in good fortune for the upcoming year.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
2.In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, salt, sugar, eggs and egg yolks, melted butter or margarine, and lemon rind. Mix well to combine.
3.Add in the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4.Start adding flour, 1 cup at a time, until you have a soft dough.
5.Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead well for 10 minutes.
6.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
7.Punch the dough down and cut it into two equal halves.
8.Shape each half into a round loaf and place them onto two greased baking sheets.
9.Cover the loaves and let them rise again in a warm place for 30 minutes.
10.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
11.Brush the loaves with a beaten egg and water mixture.
12.Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
13.Remove from the oven, cool, and serve.

PROS

Fluffy and moist bread with a hint of lemon.

Tasty snack or breakfast for any day.

Truly captures the essence of Greek tradition.

CONS

Ingredients could be challenging to locate in certain regions.

Requires some time to prepare and bake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This honey-glazed bread can help relieve stress and anxieties and promote better sleep, resulting in a more peaceful and prosperous New Year. Lemon zest can also reduce the risk of heart diseases and some cancers and improve digestive health.

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