Moroccan Twist on Choereg: Spiced Honey Bread

Ingredients

In this Moroccan adaptation of Choereg, we incorporate the distinct flavors of Moroccan cuisine. The traditional Armenian Choereg is enriched with honey and flavored with spices like mahlab and anise. However, in this recipe, we replace those spices with Moroccan staples like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. The addition of these warm and aromatic spices gives the bread a unique Moroccan twist, while still maintaining the soft and fluffy texture of the original Choereg. We alse have the original recipe for Choereg, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk, for egg wash 1 egg yolk, for egg wash
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 49g, 16g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, warm water, vegetable oil, honey, and eggs.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a round or braided loaf.
8. 8.
   Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water. Brush the loaves with the egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. If you prefer a stronger honey flavor, you can increase the amount slightly.
• Ground spices — For the most vibrant flavors, use freshly ground spices. If you don't have ground ginger or cardamom, you can substitute with freshly grated ginger or crushed cardamom pods.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Moroccan flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the dough.
• Serve the bread warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• This bread is perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to Moroccan tea.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan Honey Spice Bread as a centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. Slice it and serve with butter, honey, or your favorite spreads. It also pairs well with Moroccan mint tea or a cup of strong coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can shape the dough into a braided loaf or create decorative patterns on the surface before baking. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.