"Choereg – Armenian Easter Bread is a sweet, egg-rich bread similar to challah. It’s a braided loaf that also has a twist of including Mahleb, and wonderful Middle Eastern spice. This homemade bread is not only delicious for Easter, but maybe you want to switch out the challah and try something new for your Shabbat meal!"
Choereg – Armenian Easter Bread
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Serves or Makes: 20
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk 115 – 120 F
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 5 eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mahleb
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 1/2 cups bread flour
- egg wash 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Method
Step 1
In a shallow bowl, combine milk with the 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix and sprinkle yeast on top.
Step 2
Leave to rest for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
Step 3
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs well until frothy.
Step 4
Add butter, sugar, vanilla and mahleb. Mix well until thoroughly combined. SEE NOTE
Step 5
Add salt and flour.
Step 6
Knead for 10 minutes, until dough is smooth, soft and elastic. Dough should be soft, but not sticky.
Step 7
Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap sprayed with non stick spray.
Step 8
Cover with a kitchen towel and leave to dry in a warm place for about 5 hours, until doubled in volume.
Step 9
Divide dough into 3 equal portions, each weighing approximately 1 lb. 3 oz.
Step 10
Roll each portion into a long rope, about 17".
Step 11
Braid the 3 ropes into one long braid.
Step 12
Place diagonally on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non stick spray. SEE NOTE #2
Step 13
Cover and let dough rise again for 1 hour.
Step 14
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Step 15
Brush loaf with egg wash.
Step 16
Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and crusty on top.