Koulouri Thessalonikis - Greek Sesame Bread Rings

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 150g (1 cup) sesame seeds 150g (1 cup) sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (1g sugar)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   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.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and shape it into a ring, sealing the ends together.
7. 7.
   Pour the sesame seeds onto a plate. Dip each ring into water and then roll it in the sesame seeds, ensuring it is coated evenly.
8. 8.
   Place the coated rings on the prepared baking sheet and let them rest for about 15 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the Koulouri Thessalonikis in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. This will enhance their flavor and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can brush the Koulouri Thessalonikis with olive oil before baking.
• If you prefer a sweeter version, sprinkle some honey on top of the bread rings after they are baked.
• To achieve a crispier texture, bake the Koulouri Thessalonikis for a few extra minutes.
• Experiment with different toppings such as poppy seeds or flaky sea salt for a unique twist.
• These bread rings are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve Koulouri Thessalonikis warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or can be enjoyed with a spread of Greek yogurt or feta cheese. Pair them with a cup of Greek coffee or tea for a truly authentic experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Koulouri Thessalonikis on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown exterior and sesame seed coating. You can also tie a colorful ribbon around the rings for a festive touch.