Tsoureki-Greek Easter Bread

– 1 cup milk – 2 packets active dry yeast (two 1/4 ounce envelopes) –4  eggs , room temperature – 1 tsp vanilla extract – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 4 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (may need more as mixing) – 1 Tbsp. lemon zest – 1  tsp aniseed – 1 tsp kosher salt –  Tbsp. butter , room temperature (cut into 1 inch pieces) – -6 dyed eggs –pearlized sugar , to decorate FOR THE EGG WASH: – egg – Tbsp. water

Ingredients

White Scribbled Underline

Cook time: 40 min

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Servings

2 large braids

Type

bread

prep Time

2 hours

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Tsoureki Bread is a super fluffy and soft yeast egg-enriched bread flavored with citrus and aniseed. It's a traditional Greek Easter bread, but can be enjoyed any time of the year.

The secrets of a perfectly baked Greek Easter Bread – Patience and good timing. IIt can take quite a while for the Easter eggs to turn the correct color, so you may want to dye them a day or two before making the bread itself. – The bread dough also requires extra time to rise. It should be made with lots of patience and love, as with any yeast dough.

What is a substitute for mahlepi seeds (or powder),? If you have a Middle Eastern market near you, you'll maybe have luck finding mahlepi seeds or powder there. If you can't find mahlepi seeds, you could easily substitute them with crushed anise seeds.

RECIPE TIPS AND FAQ’S:

Is challah the same as Tsoureki? It is very similar to Jewish challah bread or French brioche but the flavor of Tsoureki is what is the big difference. Tsoureki is typically flavored with mahlepi, orange zest and very often, cardamom. This flavor combo makes a Tsoureki so fragrant and sets it apart from a challah.

RECIPE TIPS AND FAQ’S:

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