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Greek Tsoureki (Easter Bread)

Greek Tsoureki (Easter Bread recipe image
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.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2
Calories: 436
Dietary: Vegetarian
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
  • Milk
  • Sweet butter
  • Sifted flour
  • Active dry yeast
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt
  • Eggs, beaten
  • Grated orange rind
  • Orange juice
  • Slivered almonds
  • Granulated sugar (for glaze)
Directions
  1. 1
    In a small saucepan, combine the milk and butter over medium heat and scald, stirring until the butter melts completely.
  2. 2
    Pour the milk-butter mixture into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool until lukewarm.
  3. 3
    Sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm liquid, then gradually stir in 1/2 cup of the sugar until dissolved.
  4. 4
    Add the salt, beaten eggs, orange juice, and orange rind to the mixture, stirring continuously.
  5. 5
    Gradually add half of the flour, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and form a shaggy dough.
  6. 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. 7
    Flour your fingers lightly and knead the dough on a floured surface for 15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  8. 8
    Place the dough in a large buttered bowl, brush the top with melted butter, and cover.
  9. 9
    Let the dough rise in a warm area until doubled in bulk, approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  10. 10
    Punch the dough down to release air and divide it into two equal parts.
  11. 11
    Divide each half into three equal strands and roll each strand into a long rope, approximately 10 inches long.
  12. 12
    Braid the three ropes together tightly, pinching the ends to seal, or join the ends to form a round loaf.
  13. 13
    Repeat the braiding process with the second half of the dough to create a second loaf.
  14. 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. 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. 16
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  17. 17
    Bake the tsourekia for 20 minutes.
  18. 18
    Remove from the oven and brush the tops and sides generously with the almond-orange glaze.
  19. 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
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/greek-tsoureki-easter-bread-2/