Greek sweet bread-Tsoureki

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:42:55 GMT

Step 1

In a mixer’s bowl, add the flour, water and yeast.

Step 2

Whisk by hand and set aside for 15 minutes so the yeast can activate.

Step 3

Beat the 1 tablespoon of the sugar and mastic with a mortar and pestle until finely ground.

Step 4

In a saucepan, add mastic mixture, milk, butter cut into pieces, orange zest, mahlab, vanilla extract and granulated sugar.

Step 5

Place over low heat and whisk continuously, until the butter melts and all of the ingredients are completely incorporated. Attention! You do not want the mixture to come to a boil. You only want it to become warm.

Step 6

Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 7

Add the eggs and salt. Whisk thoroughly.

Step 8

Attention – the eggs should be 50 g each, no larger. You want the eggs to weigh 200 g in total.

Step 9

Add to mixer’s bowl that contains the yeast. Beat for 5 minutes on low speed with the hook attachment.

Step 10

Add the flour and continue beating for 10-14 minutes. Begin beating on low speed until all of the flour is incorporated and then you can turn speed up.

Step 11

Add the melted butter and beat on low speed for 5-7 minutes, until all of the butter is absorbed.

Step 12

When the dough completely pulls back from the sides of the bowl, it is ready.

Step 13

Brush a separate bowl with some vegetable oil and transfer dough to it. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and set it aside for 1 – 1 ½ hours, until it doubles in size.

Step 14

Divide the dough into two parts and then divide each part in half again to create four equal sized pieces.

Step 15

Shape into round strips that are about 50 cm each.

Step 16

Connect the four ends on one side so that you can create a braid.

Step 17

It will help you to give each strip a number, 1-2-3-4.

Step 18

Fold strip 4 over strip 2.

Step 19

Strip 1 over strip 3.

Step 20

and strip 2 over strip 3.

Step 21

Repeat this process as many times as necessary to create a beautiful braid.

Step 22

Carefully transfer to a baking pan lined with parchment paper and follow the exact same process to make the second tsoureki.

Step 23

Preheat oven to 150* C (300* F) Fan.

Step 24

Cover both loaves with a towel and allow them to rise for about 30 minutes.

Step 25

Brush with egg wash (egg yolk diluted with water) and sprinkle with almond slivers.

Step 26

Bake for 50-60 minutes.

Step 27

Instead of 2 loaves of sweet bread, we can make 4 and bake them for 30 minutes.

Step 28

When ready, remove from oven, allow to cool and serve.

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