Greek Easter Bread: A Delightful Tradition
Every culture has its cherished festive bread, and for the Greeks, the Easter bread stands out with a delightful mix of flavors and fragrances. Here’s a simple recipe to make this traditional bread at home.
Ingredients:
- 500 g of wheat flour
- 10 g dry yeast
- 150 g of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 100 g melted butter
- 150 ml of warm milk
- 1 beaten egg (for glazing)
- Whole almonds (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Start by activating the yeast. Mix it with a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of the warm milk. Allow it to rest until it becomes bubbly.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and the zests from both the orange and lemon. Pour in the melted butter.
- To this mixture, add the activated yeast and the rest of the warm milk. Engage in a thorough kneading session until the dough feels soft and elastic.
- With the dough in the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest in a warm area for about 1-2 hours or until you see it double in volume.
- After its rest, knead the dough again to deflate any trapped air. Mold it into a sizable ball and lay it on a prepared baking sheet.
- Give the dough another resting session, this time just for about 30-45 minutes, under the damp cloth.
- As the resting time nears its end, begin preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- For a beautiful golden finish, brush the top of your bread with the beaten egg. Add a decorative touch by lightly pressing whole almonds into the dough.
- The baking process will take around 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bread turns a lovely shade of golden brown and produces a hollow sound upon being tapped at the base.
- Post baking, transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Once cooled, it’s ready to be sliced and enjoyed!
This Greek Easter bread is not just a treat, but a journey into the heart of Greek traditions. Best enjoyed with loved ones over shared stories and laughter. Happy baking!
