Indulge in the iconic flavors of Greece with our delectable Koulouri. This beloved circular bread, adorned with sesame seeds, offers a delightful blend of crunchy texture and soft, fluffy dough. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast on the go or paired with a cup of aromatic Greek coffee, Koulouri embodies the essence of Mediterranean simplicity and culinary heritage. Discover the taste of Greece with each savory bite of our authentic Koulouri.

Here's a recipe for Greece's traditional Koulouri:

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 250ml lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, for coating

Instructions:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Shape the Koulouri: Punch down the risen dough to deflate it and divide it into equal-sized portions, depending on how large you want your Koulouri to be. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 30-40cm long. Then, shape each rope into a ring, overlapping the ends slightly and pinching them together to seal.

Coat with sesame seeds: Brush the tops of the shaped Koulouri with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, pressing lightly to adhere.

Second rise: Place the Koulouri on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Bake: Once the Koulouri have doubled in size, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and serve: Allow the Koulouri to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked Greek Koulouri as a delightful snack or alongside your favorite Mediterranean dishes.

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Greece Koulouri recipe:

All-purpose flour (500g):

• Calories: 1810 kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 378g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 14g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy, contains some protein for muscle repair and growth, and offers dietary fiber for digestive health.

Instant yeast (7g):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:A source of protein and B vitamins, helps in leavening the dough by producing carbon dioxide gas, resulting in a fluffy texture.

Sugar (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds sweetness to the dough and aids in fermentation by providing food for the yeast, contributing to the rise of the bread.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Enhances flavor, regulates yeast activity, and strengthens gluten structure, resulting in improved texture and crust formation.

Water (250ml):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Essential for activating the yeast and forming gluten strands in the dough, ensuring proper hydration and moisture content.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 238 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds richness and flavor to the dough, provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and helps in achieving a tender crumb texture.

Egg (1):

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Contributes to the richness and structure of the dough, adds protein for satiety, and helps in achieving a golden brown crust when used as an egg wash.

Sesame seeds:

• Calories: 52 kcal (1 tablespoon)
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and iron, adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the Koulouri. Additionally, sesame seeds provide antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific types of ingredients used. Additionally, the serving size and number of servings will affect the overall nutritional content of the Koulouri.