Get Your Lucky Coin With Greek Easter Bread

Get Your Lucky Coin With Greek Easter Bread

Posted on
Lambropsomo Greek Easter Bread
Lambropsomo Greek Easter Bread from www.spiceroots.com

Introduction

Easter is a time of renewal and celebration, and in Greece, it’s also a time to bake delicious traditional bread. Greek Easter bread with a hidden coin is a beloved tradition that dates back centuries. The bread is sweet, fluffy, and fragrant, with a golden crust that’s adorned with red-dyed eggs. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Easter breakfast or brunch, and it’s a fun way to bring a little luck to the table. In this article, we’ll share not one, but two recipes for Greek Easter bread with a coin, so you can choose the one that suits your taste and skill level.

Recipe 1: Greek Easter Bread with Coin

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of warm milk
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 red-dyed Easter egg
  • 1 small, clean coin

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and let it rest for 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
  2. Add the eggs, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix well.
  3. Add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
  4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and knead it for another 5 minutes. Cut off a small piece of dough and roll it into a ball.
  6. Press the coin into the ball of dough and flatten it slightly. Place the dough ball back into the main dough and cover it with another damp towel. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  8. Shape the dough into a large round loaf and place it on the baking sheet. Nestle the red-dyed Easter egg into the dough. Let it rise for another 15 minutes.
  9. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
See also  Is Christmas Desserts Gluten Free

Nutritional Information:

Serving size: 1 slice
Calories per serving: 240
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g

Cooking Time:

2 hours, 25 minutes

Equipment:

Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper (optional)

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy a slice of Greek Easter bread with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. As an Easter tradition, the person who gets the slice with the coin is said to have good luck for the year.

Variations:

You can add flavor to the bread by adding lemon zest or orange zest to the dough. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

Substitutions:

You can use almond milk or soy milk instead of cow’s milk, and coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter.

Storage:

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

Tips:

  • Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
  • Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but don’t overwork it or it will become tough.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. You can also preheat your oven to 200°F, turn it off, and place the dough inside to rise.

Notes:

The coin should be clean and small enough to fit into a dough ball. Make sure it’s not a choking hazard for young children.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the significance of the coin in Greek Easter bread?

The coin symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the person who finds it in their slice of bread. It’s also a reminder of the story of Saint Basil, who distributed coins to the poor during a famine.

See also  Easy Easter Dinner For Two: Celebrate In Style

Can I use a different color for the Easter egg?

Yes, you can dye the egg any color you like. Red is the traditional color for Greek Easter eggs, but you can use other colors to match your Easter decor.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a little more effort, but the result will be just as delicious.

Recipe 2: Easy Greek Easter Bread with Coin

Ingredients:

  • 1 box of yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup of warm milk
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
  • 1 red-dyed Easter egg
  • 1 small, clean coin

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and yeast. Mix well.
  2. Add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
  3. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and knead it for another 5 minutes. Cut off a small piece of dough and roll it into a ball.
  5. Press the coin into the ball of dough and flatten it slightly. Place the dough ball back into the main dough and cover it with another damp towel. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  7. Shape the dough into a large round loaf and place it on the baking sheet. Nestle the red-dyed Easter egg into the dough. Let it rise for another 15 minutes.
  8. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
See also  Banana Bread Packaged

Nutritional Information:

Serving size: 1 slice
Calories per serving: 300
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 5g

Cooking Time:

2 hours, 25 minutes

Equipment:

Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper (optional)

Serving Suggestions:

This easy version of Greek Easter bread with a coin is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who’s short on time. It’s still delicious and festive, and the lucky coin adds a fun twist to the Easter tradition.

Variations:

You can add flavor to the bread by adding lemon zest or orange zest to the dough. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

Substitutions:

You can use almond milk or soy milk instead of cow’s milk, and coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter.

Storage:

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

Tips:

  • Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
  • Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but don’t overwork it or it will become tough.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. You can also preheat your oven to 200°F, turn it off

Share this post: