Description
Greek Easter Bread, known as Tsoureki, is a beautifully braided loaf that boasts a golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior. Infused with aromatic spices like mahleb and mastic, each bite offers a delightful sweetness that is perfectly balanced with a hint of citrus zest.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mahleb
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mastic (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or slivered almonds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, mahleb, and mastic.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture and combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together.
- Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or almonds.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Notes
- This bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Substitute almond extract for mahleb if unavailable, but the flavor will differ slightly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1 oz)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 150 milligrams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
Keywords: Greek Easter Bread, Tsoureki, sweet bread, braided bread, Greek recipes, Easter traditions, mahleb, mastic, festive bread, homemade bread, traditional Greek food, holiday baking, Mediterranean cuisine