Greek Tsoureki (Easter Bread)

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Servings: 2 cups Difficulty: Advanced
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Traditional sweet braided Easter bread with orange and mahlepi notes
Greek Tsoureki (Easter Bread recipe image
Greek Tsoureki (Easter Bread recipe image
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Greek Tsoureki (Easter Bread)

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2 cups Calories: 436

Description

This rich, aromatic tsoureki is a beloved Greek Easter tradition. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, creating a tender crumb that is soft and slightly chewy. Infused with the bright zest of orange and the warm, almond-like spice of mahlepi or mastic, it offers a sophisticated sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. The intricate braided shape makes it a stunning centerpiece for holiday tables.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and butter over medium heat and scald, stirring until the butter melts completely.
  2. Pour the milk-butter mixture into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool until lukewarm.
  3. Sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm liquid, then gradually stir in 1/2 cup of the sugar until dissolved.
  4. Add the salt, beaten eggs, orange juice, and orange rind to the mixture, stirring continuously.
  5. Gradually add half of the flour, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and form a shaggy dough.
  6. Continue adding the remaining flour gradually by hand or with a dough hook; the dough will be sticky but should not be stiff.
  7. Flour your fingers lightly and knead the dough on a floured surface for 15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  8. Place the dough in a large buttered bowl, brush the top with melted butter, and cover.
  9. Let the dough rise in a warm area until doubled in bulk, approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  10. Punch the dough down to release air and divide it into two equal parts.
  11. Divide each half into three equal strands and roll each strand into a long rope, approximately 10 inches long.
  12. Braid the three ropes together tightly, pinching the ends to seal, or join the ends to form a round loaf.
  13. Repeat the braiding process with the second half of the dough to create a second loaf.
  14. Place the braided loaves in large baking pans or on a lined cookie sheet, cover, and let rise until doubled again, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  15. While the dough rises, prepare the glaze by mixing the remaining orange juice, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and slivered almonds in a small bowl.
  16. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  17. Bake the tsourekia for 20 minutes.
  18. Remove from the oven and brush the tops and sides generously with the almond-orange glaze.
  19. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the loaves are a rich, shiny chestnut brown.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 436kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25.7g40%
Saturated Fat 15.8g79%
Cholesterol 65.7mg22%
Sodium 522mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 49.1g17%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugars 33.1g
Protein 4.8g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: tsoureki, easter bread, greek bread, braided bread, orange zest, yeast bread, enriched dough, holiday baking, pascha, traditional, homemade, aromatic, sweet bread, mahlepi, mastic, braiding, yeast, flour, butter
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