Greece and Cyprus have a plethora of traditions during Easter as Easter is seen as a greater celebration in the Orthodox church in comparison to Christmas. Aside from the various traditions, many Cypriot and Greek houses during the Holy week are being scented by the smell of freshly baked tsourekia, koulouria, flaounes and breads. Growing up with my nan who was from a small village outside Famagusta, I had the blessing to learn old traditions for Easter as well. One of these traditions is avgoty, a bread specifically made for Easter Sunday. The shape is circular with a cross shape placed in the middle. In addition, on top of the bread a red egg is placed in the middle as well. This shape of Easter bread is only observed in the Famagusta areas so it’s with great pleasure that I can share this recipe with you through my blog.
Right, let’s get baking my darlings!
Ingredients
- 1 kg bread flour
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1,5 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp mahlepi (optional)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp aniseed seeds
- 800 ml water
- To cover
- 200 gr sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp aniseed seeds
- 4 red eggs-uncooked
Instructions
Step 1
Boil the water and pour 800 ml in a cup adding the aniseed seeds. Let it infuse for 10 minutes and discard the seeds by draining the water. Once the water has cooled slightly, add the flour, spices and the yeast in a big bowl. Knead the bread for 10-25 minutes with your hands or a mixer using the hook attachment. Let it rise for minimum of two hours.
Step 2
Boil the sesame seeds and aniseed seeds in some water. Boil for 10 minutes and drain. Place them on a clean towel or a big baking tray.
Step 3
When the dough has doubled in size, take one piece of the dough and roll out into a rope approx. 40cm long. Roll it in the sesame seeds and form a circle joining the ends pinching them together. Place the bread ring on a large baking tray, lined up with parchment paper. Then make two more strands the same size as the bread ring, roll them in the sesame seeds as well and place them in the middle of the bread ring in the shape of a cross. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
Step 4
Pre heat the oven at 180°C
Step 5
Take the eggs and place them in the middle of the bread where the two strands meet each other.
Step 6
With scissors, cut the four edges of the two strands a few times to look like the picture (optional)
Step 7
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until nicely golden.
Notes
This bread is usually enjoyed on Easter Sunday. Don't worry if the egg cracks, it's for good luck 🙂
