Name: Soft Tsoureki 2.0
Ingredients: 2 pounds all purpose flour; 1 ½ stick melted butter; 3 eggs; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 cup lukewarm milk; ½ cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon of organic vanilla extract; ½ cup lukewarm water; 2 tablespoons yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 packet of mahlab; 1 egg for egg wash; slivered almonds to taste; Enough GEVOO to oil a large mixing bowl

μαλακό τσουρέκι

Soft Tsoureki 2.0

This soft, fluffy bread is a delight that you’ll look forward to baking for your loved ones every Easter. It holds a lovely flavor that comes from the essence of citrus and a spice called mahlab.

Ingredients:

2 pounds all purpose flour
1 ½ stick melted butter
3 eggs
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup lukewarm milk
½ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon of organic vanilla extract
½ cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet of mahlab
1 egg for egg wash
slivered almonds to taste
Enough GEVOO to oil a large mixing bowl

What you'll need

3L Everything Olive Oil $80

Method:

Preheat oven to 330°
In a large mixing bowl, add yeast, sugar, flour, and lukewarm water. Whisk and cover with a towel and set aside in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Using a standing mixer, add sugar, eggs, milk, orange juice, and mix at low speed
Then, add vanilla, mahlab, flour, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead on medium speed for 10 minutes
Place dough in a large, well oiled bowl. Cover and set aside in a warm place for 2 hours
Once risen, divide dough in 6 small balls and roll into long strips.
Lay strips side by side, pinching together at one end, and braid them. Tuck the ends of the braids under to hold them intact.
Place bread on a parchment lined baking sheet and set aside for 30 minutes
After, brush with egg wash. Top with slivered almonds
Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown