Description
A delightful sweet bread braided with orange zest and optional spices, embodying Greek tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mahleb (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mastic (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for topping)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sliced almonds (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and sprinkling the yeast on top. Let it sit for 8 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, orange zest, mahleb, and mastic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and melted butter, then add the foamy yeast mixture.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 to 12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into three portions and roll each into ropes. Braid the ropes and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let it rise for 45 to 60 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the braid with egg wash and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For optimal flavor, use fresh spices. Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg