Make Easter a special occasion with this recipe for Greek tsoureki easter bread eggs! Here are the steps to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, vegetable oil, and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Next, beat in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
4. Stir in the orange juice and zest. If using food coloring, add a few drops now to achieve the desired colors.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Make sure to incorporate all of the ingredients into the dough.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Divide the risen dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece out on a floured surface into a large circle.
8. Cut each circle into a wedge shape, leaving a small gap at the bottom for the filling.
9. Spoon the filling onto each wedge, starting with the yolk and then adding the egg whites. If using food coloring, you can add it to the filling to get different colors.
10. Roll up each wedge tightly from the bottom, starting with the filling and working your way up to the top of the wedge.
11. Pinch the ends together to seal them closed.
12. Place the filled eggs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
13. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the eggs with egg wash and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14. Let the eggs cool completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious Greek tsoureki easter bread eggs!
Tips:
- Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment for best results.
- You can also add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your food coloring choices!