Greek Bakery > Tsourekia

Chocolate Chip Tsoureki Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Dough hook
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and eggs.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with the dough hook until combined.
4. Add the chocolate chips, walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix until combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
8. Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Sprinkle the top of the loaf with sesame seeds and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow the loaf to cool before slicing and serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10 slices

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Milk: almond milk or oat milk
- Butter: coconut oil or olive oil
- Chocolate chips: raisins or dried cranberries
- Walnuts: pecans or almonds
- Cinnamon: allspice or cardamom

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit such as apricots or dates
- Substitute the sesame seeds with poppy seeds
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as near a radiator or in an oven with the light on.

Storage Instructions:
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the loaf for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Slice the loaf and serve with butter or jam.
- Slice the loaf and top with melted chocolate.
- Cut the loaf into cubes and serve as a snack.

Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped almonds
- Sliced strawberries
- Chopped dark chocolate

Pairings:
- Coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Greek yogurt

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Greek salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients, especially dairy products, are at room temperature before using.
- Wash your hands before and after handling the dough.

Food History:
Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread that is often served during Easter. It is usually flavored with orange or lemon zest and topped with sesame seeds.

Flavor Profiles:
This tsoureki is sweet and nutty with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The chocolate chips and walnuts add a rich flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a breakfast bread with butter and jam.
- Serve as a dessert with ice cream or Greek yogurt.
- Serve as a snack with coffee or tea.

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Region: Greek

Taste: Sweet, Buttery, Nutty, Chocolatey