Vasilopita Greek New Year's Bread - Gourmet And Food
Growing up, celebrating the New Year meant more than just fireworks and resolutions. It was a time to gather with family, reminisce over shared memories, and enjoy delicious food. Every year, my grandmother would prepare vasilopita, a traditional Greek bread that became a family staple.
Servings 16
Calories 290kcal
Ingredients
- To create this delightful bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 7to7 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4plus 1 eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for greasing
- Zest of one large orange
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 cups warm milk
- 4½ teaspoons active dry yeast two standard packets
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- Begin by warming the milk. Ensure it’s lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Add the sugar and yeast, stirring gently. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 7 cups of flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture. Incorporate the beaten eggs and orange zest.
Step 3: Combine and Knead
- Gradually mix the flour into the wet ingredients. Once combined, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: First Rise
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, coating it with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Bread
- Punch down the dough gently to release the air. At this point, you can slip the hidden coin into the dough if you wish to continue the tradition. Shape the dough into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
- While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
- Once the loaf has risen, brush the top with some of the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a decorative touch.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Cool
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once it’s cooled, you can slice and serve.
Notes
Here are some tips for success:
- Check Freshness of Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh. An expired yeast can lead to a failed rise.
- Use High-Quality Flour: Invest in good all-purpose flour for better results, as it may affect the bread's texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to enhance the mixing process.
- Adjust for Humidity: If you live in a humid area, consider using less flour. This will keep the bread from becoming too dense.
- Save Some for Later: Vasilopita is great fresh but can also be toasted the next day for a delightful breakfast.
- Use High-Quality Flour: Invest in good all-purpose flour for better results, as it may affect the bread's texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to enhance the mixing process.
- Adjust for Humidity: If you live in a humid area, consider using less flour. This will keep the bread from becoming too dense.
- Save Some for Later: Vasilopita is great fresh but can also be toasted the next day for a delightful breakfast.