If you’ve ever been to Greece, you’ve probably noticed the beautifully braided bread displayed in bakeries and markets. This type of bread is known as tsoureki, but we also refer to it as Greek Easter bread. Tsoureki is a sweet braided bread that is traditionally made during Easter or holidays but can be enjoyed year-round. It is usually flavored with orange zest and a combination of spices, including mahleb and mastic.
These two spices play an essential role in giving Tsoureki its unique flavor and aroma. Mahleb is a spice that comes from the seeds of the St. Lucie cherry tree. It has a sweet, nutty flavour with hints of almond and cherry. Mastic is a resin from the mastic tree, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma.
History of Tsoureki has a long history in Greece and is a staple of Greek cuisine. Traditionally, Tsoureki was made during Easter and was part of the Easter Sunday feast. It was made with the first batch of flour that was harvested after the winter and was a symbol of new beginnings.
Today, Tsoureki is enjoyed year-round and is often served at weddings, baptisms, and other celebrations.
You can order our Tsoureki which make based on our family’s multiple generations-old recipe.
We also make Chocolate Tsoureki filled with Nutella. SHOP NOW!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground mahleb (also called mahlepi)
- 1/2 tsp ground mastic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) yeast
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp water
- Slivered almonds and/or sesame seeds for topping
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, mahleb, mastic, and salt.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, warm water, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the yeast to the wet mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, mixing well until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and knead it briefly. Divide it into three equal portions and braid the dough into a loaf.
- Place the braided loaf on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash and sprinkle with almond flakes and/or sesame seeds.
- Bake the Tsoureki for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the Tsoureki cool completely before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade Tsoureki!
Καλό Πάσχα!
