Kouloura
Description
Kouloura is a traditional Greek bread characterized by its distinctive ring shape and sesame-topped crust. This recipe yields a loaf with a satisfyingly chewy texture and a mild, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or olive oil and herbs. The dough comes together easily with basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, milk, and oil. It requires two rises to develop its airy crumb structure, resulting in a golden-brown finish that is irresistible fresh from the oven. Perfect for family dinners or as a homemade gift, this bread captures the essence of rustic Mediterranean baking. Whether enjoyed warm with a meal or toasted the next day, Kouloura brings a touch of artisanal charm to your kitchen table without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.Ingredients
Directions
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Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
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Stir in the oil, warm milk, salt, and half of the flour. Mix until combined.
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Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add more or less flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
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Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
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Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Punch down dough to release air bubbles. Turn out onto a floured surface.
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Roll dough into a thick rope about 20 inches long, slightly tapering the ends.
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Shape the rope into a ring on a greased baking sheet, overlapping and tucking the ends under.
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Cover loosely and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
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Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
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Brush the bread lightly with water and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 747.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.9g5%
- Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
- Cholesterol 0.6mg1%
- Sodium 148.0mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 154.4g52%
- Dietary Fiber 6.3g26%
- Sugars 2.1g
- Protein 21.5g43%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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