Tsoureki

Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread, infused with aromatic spices and a hint of orange zest, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. This vegan version maintains the rich flavors and festive spirit of the original while being completely plant-based.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 250 grams
• Almond milk - 100 ml
• Sugar - 50 grams
• Active dry yeast - 7 grams
• Vegetable oil - 30 ml
• Orange zest - 1 teaspoon
• Ground mahleb - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground mastic - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Non-dairy milk (for brushing) - 10 ml
• Sliced almonds - 20 grams

Steps

1. In a small bowl, combine warm almond milk (about 37°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, ground mahleb, and ground mastic.
3. Add the frothy yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and orange zest to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into long strands and braid them together to form a loaf.
8. Place the braided loaf on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Brush the top of the loaf with non-dairy milk and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Contains antioxidants from orange zest and spices.

Tags