In the realm of Mediterranean cuisine, Greek bread stands out as a delectable delight, embodying the essence of simplicity, authenticity, and taste. With its golden-brown crust and airy, flavorful interior, this bread has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece as we present a collection of enticing Greek bread recipes, each offering a unique taste experience. From the classic round loaf of Psomi to the savory delights of Tyropita and Spanakopita, our selection promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean Sea.
1. Psomi (Greek Classic Round Loaf): Experience the timeless tradition of Greek baking with this classic round loaf. Simple yet satisfying, Psomi embodies the essence of Greek cuisine with its rustic charm and irresistible aroma.
2. Tyropita (Cheese Pie): Indulge in the savory goodness of Tyropita, a delightful cheese pie that combines layers of flaky phyllo pastry with a rich filling of feta, ricotta, and kefalotyri cheeses. Its golden-brown exterior and gooey, flavorful center make it a perfect snack or appetizer.
3. Spanakopita (Spinach Pie): Embark on a journey of flavors with Spanakopita, a traditional Greek spinach pie that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of fresh spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo pastry, this pie is a symphony of taste and texture.
4. Pita Bread: Discover the versatility of pita bread, a staple in Greek cuisine. With its soft, pillowy texture and slightly chewy crust, pita bread serves as an ideal accompaniment to dips, spreads, or as a wrap for your favorite fillings.
5. Bougatsa (Cream Pie): Satisfy your sweet cravings with Bougatsa, a delectable cream pie that combines layers of crispy phyllo pastry with a creamy custard filling. Dusted with cinnamon and sugar, this pastry is a true indulgence that will leave you craving more.
TSOUREKI - GREEK EASTER BREAD (BREAD MACHINE RECIPE)
Tsoureki is a sweet egg bread (similar to Challah) that is braided and decorated with dyed eggs for Greek Easter. This is my first time making it using this recipe (and the first time it came out properly!) - so I wanted to share. This recipe is made in the bread machine on the dough setting and then braided and baked in the oven. Adapted (very slightly) from this recipe: http://www.kitchenlink.com/cookbooks/2000/0385477775_3.html I listed the brands I used, but obviously you can use whatever you prefer. (I wrote my instructions for beginners like myself. If you know what you're doing, ignore my tangents!)
Provided by Teagan Murphy
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 5h
Yield 12 slices, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place the milk, 2 cups of flour, and yeast in the bread machine pan and process on the dough setting. (Mine takes around 1.5 hours).
- While the machine is working (no rush here - you have plenty of time) mix the other 2 cups of flour with the sugar, salt, orange zest, and the anise seed. (I couldn't find ground anise seed so I ground some up in my blender. A coffee grinder would work as well).
- Once the dough cycle is completed, add the flour mixture, olive oil, and eggs. Process again on the dough setting. (Another 1.5 hours! But for me, this is preferable to doing it by hand. My handmade dough ends up like a brick).
- Once the second cycle is completed, remove the dough to a well-floured surface. Punch down and form into a ball. (This is easy! I was scared because this is where I get into trouble - I tend to overwork things. Look it up on YouTube if you don't know how: http://youtu.be/5HW38Bn-hnI).
- Cover and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. (I left it on the counter top and covered it with paper towels).
- Now, divide the dough into three parts. Roll each piece into a rope and braid, working from the center to the ends. Pinch the ends together and turn under. (Once again, if you don't know how: http://youtu.be/YR6aIAh2Vt8 And if you don't feel like braiding it at all - I won't tell. It tastes wonderful no matter what the shape).
- Embed the dyed eggs (optional) in the folds of the braid. Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in bulk - about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. (Note: Mine came out a little dark on top so I'm gonna try 350 degrees next time.) Once the dough has risen, brush it lightly with the egg wash. (I sprinkled some whole anise seeds on top, but you don't have to do that. Some people use slivered almonds, but my family has allergies).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. (I slid the parchment paper directly onto a preheated pizza stone. My bread came out a little dark on the top, next time I'll drape some foil paper over it around 15 minutes in).
- Cool on a rack. Store in a brown bag for up to 3 days. (When it starts getting stale - if it lasts that long - you can make french toast with it. I recommend this recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/dennys-style-french-toast-90674 So good!).
GREEK BREAD (BREAD MACHINE)
Beth Hensperger; everyday bread called psomi or mother's bread. Don't sub regular milk for evaporated milk, which gives a sweet, rich flavor. To be more authentically Greek, use canned evaporated goat's milk.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h45m
Yield 1 loaf
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Add all the ingredients in the pan according to the order in the manufacturer's instructions.
- Set crust on medium and program for the Basic cycle; press Start.
- When the baking cycle ends, immediately remove the bread from the pan and place it on a rack; let cool to room temperature before slicing.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your bread.
- Measure your ingredients accurately. This is important for ensuring that your bread has the right texture and flavor.
- Follow the recipe instructions carefully. This will help you avoid any mistakes that could ruin your bread.
- Be patient. Bread making takes time. Don't try to rush the process, or you'll end up with a loaf that's dense and gummy.
- Experiment with different flours and add-ins. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different ingredients to create your own unique loaves of bread.
Conclusion:
Greek bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're serving it with dinner, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it as a snack, this bread is sure to please. With the help of your bread machine, you can easily make this delicious bread at home. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
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