ARMENIAN TAHINI BREAD
This sweet yeast bread is flaky yet chewy, with aromas of sesame and cinnamon.
Provided by Mikekey * @Mikekey
Categories Sweet Breads
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Stir together yeast, 1 tsp. of the sugar, and 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl; set aside to let rest until frothy, 8-10 minutes.
- Stir together flour, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl, then add yeast mixture, 2 tbsp. of the oil, and 1 cup water; stir into a rough dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes.
- Place dough into a large bowl greased with remaining 1 tbsp. oil. Cover with plastic wrap; let sit in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Divide dough into 2 balls, cover with a towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Working on a lightly floured surface with 1 ball at a time, roll dough out into a 25" circle (keep remaining dough covered).
- Gently spread half the tahini evenly over the dough and sprinkle with 1 1⁄2 cups of the sugar.
- Roll the circle up end to end to make a rope. Gently roll and stretch the rope to double the length, then cut into 6-8 equal pieces. Tightly coil each rope so that it resembles a cinnamon roll, then flatten each with your hand into a dough round on a lightly floured surface. Roll out each round into a 7" circle, then transfer the circles to parchment paper-lined baking sheets, keeping them spaced apart.
- Let rest while you repeat the process with the remaining dough.
- Mist each round of dough generously with water and bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets.
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
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Armenian Tahini Bread Recipes
Armenian cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and bold flavors. One of the most popular dishes in Armenian cuisine is the Tahini bread. It is a traditional bread made with a combination of flour, yeast, and Tahini paste that results in a rich, nutty flavor and fluffy texture. This bread is a staple food in Armenian households, and it is often served with a variety of dips and spreads such as hummus, baba ganoush, or labneh.
Origins of Tahini Bread in Armenian Cuisine
The origin of Tahini bread can be traced back to the neighboring countries of Armenia like Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. The Levant region is known for producing a diverse range of bread, and Tahini bread is one of its famous recipes. It is said that Armenian traders who used to travel to the Levant region for trade purposes brought back the recipe of Tahini bread to their homeland, where it became an instant hit. Since then, Tahini bread has become an integral part of Armenian cuisine and culture.
Preparation of Armenian Tahini Bread
The preparation of Armenian Tahini bread is quite simple and straightforward. The basic ingredients required to make this bread are flour, yeast, salt, water, and Tahini paste. In some recipes, olive oil or vegetable oil is also added for extra flavor and moisture.
The first step in making Tahini bread is to activate the yeast. For this, mix the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. In a separate mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and Tahini paste and mix well. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture while continuously kneading it until a smooth, elastic dough is formed.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape the dough into small balls. Place the balls on a floured baking sheet and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil or egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations of Armenian Tahini Bread
The traditional Armenian Tahini bread recipe can be modified and tweaked to create different variations of this delicious bread. Here are a few variations that you can try:
Whole-Wheat Tahini Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Herbed Tahini Bread: Add a tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an added flavor kick.
Spicy Tahini Bread: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the dough for a spicy twist.
Cheesy Tahini Bread: Add a cup of grated cheese to the dough, such as Parmesan or feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Armenian Tahini bread can be served with a variety of dips and spreads to make an excellent appetizer or snack. Here are a few serving ideas:
Hummus: Serve Tahini bread with a creamy hummus dip and some fresh vegetables for a healthy snack or appetizer.
Baba Ganoush: Pair Tahini bread with Baba Ganoush- a roasted eggplant dip.
Tomato Dip: Combine fresh ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to create a dip that pairs perfectly with Tahini bread.
Labneh: Spread some labneh- a strained yogurt cheese, on top of Tahini bread, and sprinkle some za'atar or sumac for a traditional Armenian breakfast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Armenian Tahini bread is a simple and delicious bread that is easy to make and can be served in many different ways based on your preferences. With the right ingredients, this bread can be modified to suit your taste preferences, and it pairs well with a variety of dips and spreads. Additionally, Tahini bread is a staple in Armenian cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. So next time you're in the mood for some bread, consider trying out this traditional recipe for a unique and flavorful experience.