Choereg, a traditional sweet bread originating from Greece, holds a special place in many households during Easter celebrations. This delectable bread is characterized by its fluffy texture, golden-brown crust, and a delightful aroma that fills the air as it bakes. Typically prepared with a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, butter, and a hint of mastic, choereg embodies the spirit of Easter with its symbolic representation of rebirth and renewal.
In this article, we present a collection of three diverse choereg recipes, each offering a unique culinary experience. The first recipe stays true to the classic choereg, guiding you through the traditional method of preparing this beloved bread. The second recipe introduces a delightful variation, incorporating orange zest and cinnamon to create a citrusy and aromatic twist. Lastly, the third recipe caters to those with a sweet tooth, adding raisins and nuts to create a rich and indulgent choereg. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure success in creating this Easter masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delightful baking adventure together.
CHOEREG - ARMENIAN EASTER BREAD
Choereg - Armenian Easter Bread is an egg rich bread, similar to challah. However, with a twist flavored with a mahleb, a spice made from cherries.
Provided by Chef Mireille
Categories Bread
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a shallow bowl, combine milk with the 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix and sprinkle yeast on top.
- Leave to rest for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs well until frothy.
- Add butter, sugar, vanilla and mahleb. Mix well until thoroughly combined. SEE NOTE
- Add salt and flour.
- Knead for 10 minutes, until dough is smooth, soft and elastic. Dough should be soft, but not sticky.
- Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap sprayed with non stick spray.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and leave to dry in a warm place for about 5 hours, until doubled in volume.
- Divide dough into 3 equal portions, each weighing approximately 1 lb. 3 oz.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 17".
- Braid the 3 ropes into one long braid.
- Place diagonally on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non stick spray. SEE NOTE #2
- Cover and let dough rise again for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Brush loaf with egg wash.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and crusty on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 219 kcal, Carbohydrate 31 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 54 mg, Sodium 121 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CHOREG (ARMENIAN EASTER BREAD) RECIPE
This eggy, aromatic, and plush Armenian bread is traditionally made to celebrate Easter, but it's delicious enough to enjoy any time of year.
Provided by Andrew Janjigian
Categories Snack Side Dish Rolls Yeast Bread Bread
Time P1D
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For the Tangzhong: In a 2-quart stainless steel saucier or 10-inch skillet, whisk together 80 grams milk and flour. Set over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture comes together in a thick, mashed potato-like paste, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and using a rubber spatula, scrape into a stand mixer bowl (do not set bowl into stand mixer yet); set aside.
- For the Dough: Add milk, eggs, and sugar to flour paste and whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined. Add flour, yeast, nigella, and mahlab. Set bowl onto stand mixer, and, using a dough hook, mix on low speed until just combined and no dry flour remains, 2 to 4 minutes. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
- Add salt and mix on low speed until thoroughly incorporated, about 1 minute. Add butter, increase speed to medium, and mix until butter is fully incorporated into dough and dough just starts to clear sides of bowl (it will remain webby, sticky, and attached to bottom of bowl), 12 to 15 minutes.
- Transfer dough to a lightly-oiled medium bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let sit at warm room temperature (75°F/24°C) for 45 minutes.
- Using lightly moistened hands, fold dough over itself by gently lifting and folding edge of dough toward middle. Turn bowl 90 degrees; fold again. Turn bowl and fold dough 4 more times (total of 6 turns). Cover again with plastic wrap and let sit for 45 minutes.
- Repeat folding as described in step 5, cover, and let rest until dough is risen by about half, 30 to 90 minutes. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 12 to 18 hours. If making a large choereg loaf, proceed to step 7; if making rolls, proceed to step 9.
- For a Large Choereg: Turn dough onto a clean, lightly-floured surface, but do not deflate. Flour top of dough and cut into 3 equal portions (about 280g or 9.75 ounces each). Roll and shape each portion into an even 5-inch log. Cover with plastic wrap, and rest for 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour work surface. Using hands, roll each log from center into a 15-inch rope (do not taper ends). Repeat with remaining dough balls. Arrange strands in parallel, with short ends of ropes facing you, and then gently press together ends of ropes farthest from you, with center rope on top. Separate ends of ropes closest to you in fan shape, leaving center rope in place. Lift right rope over center rope and set it to the right of the left rope. Lift center rope and set it in the rightmost position, where right rope was originally positioned. Lift left rope over now-center rope (originally right rope) and set it in center position. Repeat braiding process until ropes of dough are entirely braided, then gently press ends together to seal. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and allow to rise at warm room temperature (75°F/24°C) until almost doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Proceed to step 11.
- For Rolls: Turn dough onto a clean, lightly-floured surface, but do not deflate. Flour top of dough and cut into 12 equal portions (70g or 2.5 ounces each). Roll and shape each portion into an even 2-inch log. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.
- Using hands, roll each log from center into a 10-inch-long rope. Form rope into loop, leaving 3 inches of overhang on top end. Form into knot by pulling overhang under lower strand and through center of loop. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging rolls in a 4-by-3 pattern. Repeat with remaining logs. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and allow to rise at warm room temperature (75°F/24°C) until almost doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- To Finish and Bake: 30 minutes before baking, adjust oven rack to middle position for a large choereg, or upper-middle position for rolls, and preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Brush surface of dough (loaf or rolls) with egg wash and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush again with egg wash, and sprinkle with sesame and nigella.
- For a Large Choereg: Bake until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a spatula, remove loaf from baking sheet and return to wire rack. Let cool at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. For Rolls: Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack and let rolls cool on baking sheet at least 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 226 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 83 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 328 mg, Sugar 7 g, Fat 9 g, ServingSize Makes one large braided loaf or twelve 2 1/2-ounce rolls, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
CHOEREG - ARMENIAN EASTER BREAD
This Choereg (Armenian Easter Bread) Recipe Can Be Made All Year Round, Not Only for Easter! it Tastes Delicious and Looks Amazing with its Beautiful...
Provided by Dasha Vakulova
Categories Bread Recipes, Dessert Recipes, Easter Recipes, Pastry Recipes, Vegetarian Desserts
Time 4h20m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Add the warm water and 2 teaspoons of sugar to a small bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Scatter the yeast over the water and leave for about 10 minutes, until the yeast is frothy.
- Add the butter, margarine, and milk to a pan over a medium heat and heat until melted. Do not let it boil.
- Add 1 cup of sugar and stir in until dissolved. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
- Crack 3 of the eggs into a large bowl, and lightly whisk. Add the cooled milk mixture a little at a time, beating constantly.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until just combined.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, mahleb, and salt
- Make a dip in the center of the flour and pour in the egg mixture. Incorporate the flour a little at a time, stirring until all the flour is incorporated and you have a sticky dough.
- Dust a work surface with flour. Knead the dough, incorporating the flour until you have a less sticky dough, then continue to knead for a further 10 minutes.
- Lightly oil a bowl. Place the dough inside, cover, and leave in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- When the dough has risen, knock it a few times to punch the air out, then cover and leave to rise until doubled in size again, about 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal balls, then divide each of those balls again into 3. Roll each portion into a rope about 12 inches long.
- Take 3 strands at a time and braid them together, pinching the ends and tucking them under to seal, so that you have 4 braids.
- Lay the loaves onto lined baking trays, with about 4 inches between each braid. Leave to rise once more until your finger leaves an indentation when you lightly press the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the braids with the beaten egg, before sprinkling the sesame seeds over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248, Fat 13.8g, Carbohydrate 26.8g, Protein 4.5g, Cholesterol 54mg, Sodium 230mg
CHOEREG (BREAD MACHINE)
Choereg (Bread Machine) Choereg is an Armenian sweet bread. You can find mahleb and caraway seeds at your local Middle Eastern grocery store.
Provided by ohcarolita
Categories Breads
Time 15m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Put ingredients in bread machine as per directed by manufacturer. Use the dough setting on your machine. Divede the dough into 24 pieces to shape into a braid. Let rise for 30 - 60 minutes once braided to rise and increase in size. Line pans with parchment paper and coat with egg wash and sprinkle on sesame seeds. Bake for approximately 15 - 20 until golden brown. Enjoy!
CHOEREG (ARMENIAN EASTER BREAD)
Ok...so my mother would just kill me if she knew I made our family recipe for Choereg public. But my policy is 'why keep a good thing to myself'. Choereg is a traditional, slightly sweet bread, especially made for Easter. It is delicious for breakfast with a nice cup of coffee. It takes some level of skill, but anyone used to handling yeast should not have a problem. You can find Mahleb at Middle Eastern grocery stores, especially around Easter. It will be with the spices. Please do not omit it, as this is what gives it its distinctive flavour and aroma.
Provided by Ani
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes
Time 6h25m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, butter and margarine. Heat until butter and margarine are melted, but do not let it boil. Stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved, then set aside to cool to lukewarm.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface, and let stand until frothy, about 10 minutes.
- Crack the eggs into a large bowl, and stir a little to break up the yolks. Slowly pour in the heated milk mixture while whisking constantly, so as to temper the eggs and not cook them. Add the yeast mixture, and stir just until blended.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, mahleb, and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until it forms a sticky dough. Pour onto a floured surface, and knead in additional flour as needed to make a more substantial dough. Knead for about 10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, and set in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- When the dough has doubled, punch down again, and let rise until doubled. It will only take about half as long this time.
- Separate the dough into 5 even portions, then separate each of those into thirds. Roll each of those into ropes about 12 inches long. Braid sets of three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal, and tucking them under for a better presentation. Place the loaves onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Loaves should be spaced 4 inches apart. Set in a warm place to rise until your finger leaves an impression behind when you poke the loaf gently.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush the loaves with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until nicely golden brown all over.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Carbohydrate 26.8 g, Cholesterol 54.3 mg, Fat 13.8 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 229.6 mg, Sugar 7.5 g
ARMENIAN CHOEREG (BREADSTICKS)
Not exactly the crispy texture of a bread stick, a little more tender. Go to your local Middle Eastern Grocery or health food store for the black seeds (Black Nigella). This is a crucial ingredient for the nutty taste. These are great with coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. Makes alot and they last forever stored in a large plastic container. Armenians like to cook in groups, so it helps to have a partner with this one!
Provided by manushag
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 2h30m
Yield 60 breadsticks, 60 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Heat milk and turn off heat. Add butter and Crisco to melt and cool milk.
- If you have a large Kitchen Aid Mixer, add all ingredients except beaten egg and sesame seeds. If not, you will need to mix all in a large bowl and knead by hand.
- Add enough flour to make a soft slightly sticky dough.
- Knead 10 minutes in mixer or with oiled hands.
- Allow to rise until double in bulk. Around 2 hours.
- Oil hands and punch down. Pull off a hunk of dough and roll out with your hands to a long rope.
- Slice on the diagonal in 5 inch pieces. Make sticks or circles or braid three pieces together, if desired.
- Place on a cookie sheet an inch apart.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until light brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120.9, Fat 5.4, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 18, Sodium 149.3, Carbohydrate 15.5, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 0.9, Protein 2.5
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the milk and butter, to promote optimal yeast activation and a consistent dough texture.
- Don't substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast, as the rising times may vary. Active dry yeast requires rehydrating in warm water before use, while instant yeast can be directly added to the dry ingredients.
- Use high-quality, unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture and structure in your Choereg bread.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can result in a dense, chewy texture. Mix just until the ingredients are well combined and the dough comes together in a soft, slightly sticky ball.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Keep the dough in a warm place, such as a turned-off oven with the light on, to promote optimal rising. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and shape it into your desired shape. Avoid overworking the dough at this stage.
- Bake the Choereg bread in a preheated oven at the recommended temperature until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure a clean, even cut.
Conclusion:
Choereg bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for various occasions. By following the tips and instructions provided in these recipes, you can create a perfect loaf of Choereg bread in your bread machine. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create unique and delectable variations of this traditional bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes will guide you through the process and help you achieve success in making your own homemade Choereg bread.
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