Tsoureki, Greek Sweet Bread
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Tsoureki (tsoo-REH-kee)is the traditional bread of Greek Easter. Tsoureki is a rich yeast bread flavored with a delightful spice called Mahlab (also called Mahlepi) that is ground from the pits of wild cherries. You can find Mahlab online or at ethnic grocery stores specializing in Greek or Middle Eastern products. Every family has their own version of this special recipe. This version has been enjoyed by my family for many, many years. This bread is delicious toasted or made into French toast.
:
: bread
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 braided loaves
Ingredients
  • 8 cups all purpose flour
  • ¾ cups milk, warmed (not hot)
  • 3 envelopes dry yeast
  • ¾ lb. salted butter
  • 1⅓ cup sugar ( more if desired)
  • 1 tbsp. (Mahlepi), Mace, or Mastic Gum
  • 4 eggs
  • Oil for kneading
  • 1 egg yolk with a little milk for topping
  • Sesame seeds
  • Red had boiled eggs if desired
Instructions
  1. Sift the flour in a large bowl or mixer.
  2. Dissolve the yeast in the 1cup of water. (Be sure it is lukewarm, not hot). Add a dash of sugar set aside until it becomes bubbly and foamy.
  3. Melt the butter over very low heat. Stir in the sugar, milk, eggs, and spice.
  4. Add the yeast mixture with the flour. Add in the butter/sugar/egg mixture. Slowly incorporate until the mixture forms a smooth wet dough.
  5. Cover the bowl and let rise until it is about double in size – about 2 hours in a warm place.
  6. Turn the dough out on to a well-greased counter and punch down. You will need to keep sprinkling the dough with oil to keep it from sticking. It will remain a loose, wet dough.
  7. Separate the dough into four equal parts. Shape into rounds and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Once rested, divide each round into three pieces. Roll the pieces out into long cords about a foot long. Braid the three ropes together to form a braided loaf. Place the braids on baking sheets to rise again.
  8. Once the dough has risen to about double, carefully brush the surface with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Gently press a single red egg in the upper section of the braid.
  9. Bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for about 35 minutes until the crust is nicely browned all over.
Recipe by phoebe's pure food at https://www.phoebespurefood.com/kitchen-vasso/