Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon mahlepi (ground mastic)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons anise seeds
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground nutmeg
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Rolling pin
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add the warm milk, eggs, and melted butter, and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12 inches long.
7. Place the ropes on a greased baking sheet.
8. Brush the ropes with the melted butter and sprinkle with the mahlepi, sesame seeds, anise seeds, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Milk: almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk
- Butter: coconut oil or olive oil
- Mahlepi: ground cardamom or ground cloves
- Sesame seeds: poppy seeds or flax seeds
- Anise seeds: fennel seeds
- Cinnamon: allspice or nutmeg
- Nutmeg: allspice or cinnamon
Variations:
- Add dried fruit such as raisins or currants
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds
- Add orange or lemon zest
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast
- Knead the dough for the full 8-10 minutes to ensure a soft, elastic texture
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area
- Brush the ropes with butter before baking for a golden, glossy finish
Storage Instructions:
Store the Tsoureki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the Tsoureki in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Tsoureki on a platter with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.
Garnishes:
Garnish the Tsoureki with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a sprig of fresh mint.
Pairings:
Pair the Tsoureki with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of ouzo.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the Tsoureki with a Greek salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt.
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 are at room temperature before mixing.
Food History:
Tsoureki is a traditional Greek bread that is served during Easter celebrations. It is usually flavored with mahlepi, a spice made from ground mastic.
Flavor Profiles:
The Tsoureki has a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and anise.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Tsoureki warm, with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
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Region: Greek