Tsoureki – Bake from Scratch

A conventional braided bread loved by Greeks throughout Easter, tsoureki is made
utilizing an extremely tender, enriched bread akin to challah, with brightly dyed Easter
eggs nestled into the braided ring. The three strands of dough are stated to symbolize the
Holy Trinity, whereas the crimson eggs are stated to represent the blood of Christ in addition to
eternity and fertility. It’s customary to taste the bread with orange, anise, and mahleb,
a spice constructed from the seeds of a species of cherry with a style akin to bitter almond and
cherry. Nonetheless, as a result of the supply of mahleb varies by area, we’ve used almond
extract as an alternative. It’ll be the right addition to Easter brunch!

Tsoureki

1 cup (240 grams) complete milk
¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
4¾ to five cups (594 to 625 grams) all-purpose flour, divided
½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
4½ teaspoons (14 grams) prompt yeast*
1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
1 teaspoon (1 gram) orange zest
¾ teaspoon (1 gram) floor anise seed
3 giant eggs (150 grams), room temperature and divided
1½ teaspoons (6 grams) almond extract
4 in-shell giant eggs (224 grams)
Vegetable oil, for coating
1 tablespoon (15 grams) water
2 tablespoons (14 grams) sliced almonds
3 cups (720 grams) heat water (105°F/41°C to 110°F/43°C)
3 tablespoons (45 grams) distilled white vinegar
50 to 55 drops crimson liquid meals coloring

In a small saucepan, warmth milk and butter over medium-low warmth till butter is melted and an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C).
Within the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk collectively 3 cups (375 grams) fl our, sugar, yeast, salt, orange zest, and anise seed. Add heat milk combination, 2 room temperature eggs (100 grams), and almond extract; utilizing the paddle attachment, beat at low pace till mixed. With mixer on medium-low pace, steadily add 1¾ cups (219 grams) flour, beating till a smooth dough types.
Change to the dough hook attachment. Beat at medium-low pace till dough is easy and elastic, about quarter-hour; add as much as remaining ¼ cup (31 grams) flour, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) at a time, if dough is simply too sticky. Prove dough onto a evenly floured floor, and form right into a spherical.
Calmly spray a big bowl with cooking spray. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease high. Cowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at the very least 8 hours, ideally in a single day. (Alternatively, cowl and let rise in a heat, draft-free place [75°F/24°C] till doubled in measurement, about 1 hour. Punch down dough, and refrigerate for half-hour. It will likely be simpler to braid whereas chilly.)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Calmly coat in-shell eggs with vegetable oil. Put aside.
Punch dough down, and evenly knead 2 to three occasions. Divide into 3 parts (about 389 grams every). Roll every portion right into a 26-inch rope. Pinch strands collectively on one finish, and braid strands collectively, pinching to seal on different finish. Form right into a wreath, tucking ends beneath wreath. Switch to ready pan. Gently tuck oiled in-shell eggs between strands of dough in wreath as desired. Cowl with plastic wrap, and let rise in a heat, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) till puffed, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a small bowl, evenly whisk collectively 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water and remaining 1 room temperature egg (50 grams). Calmly brush egg wash over braid, avoiding in-shell eggs. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over braid.
Bake till golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted in middle registers 190°F (88°C), about 50 minutes, protecting with foil throughout last quarter-hour of baking to stop extra browning. Let cool on pan for quarter-hour. Take away from pan, and let cool fully on a wire rack.
Rigorously take away in-shell eggs from loaf. Clear off any bread or vegetable oil residue with a clear towel.
In a medium bowl, whisk collectively 3 cups (720 grams) heat water, vinegar, and meals coloring till mixed. Rigorously decrease in-shell eggs into bowl; let stand till desired shade is reached, 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring sometimes. Take away in-shell eggs from water, and switch to a paper towel to dry for at the very least half-hour. Rigorously place in-shell eggs again in loaf. Serve instantly. Retailer bread (with eggs eliminated) in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as 3 days.