Kouloúria Thessalonikis
Kouloúria Thessalonikis are traditional Greek sesame-covered bread rings, originally from the city of Thessaloniki. They are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and often enjoyed as a snack or a quick breakfast with coffee. Not to be confused with koulourákia, which are sweet, buttery Greek cookies, kouloúria are more bread-like and typically savory.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the Dry IngredientsIn a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add WaterPour in most of the lukewarm water gradually while mixing with your hands. Once the water is absorbed, add the remaining water along with the olive oil.
- Knead the DoughKnead the mixture for a few minutes until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and leave it in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the DoughDust your work surface with flour. Transfer the dough and divide it into six to eight pieces. Roll each piece by hand into a thin rope (adjust the thickness to your preference). Set aside.
- Dip and Second RiseIn a bowl, mix two cups of warm water with three tablespoons of molasses. In a separate shallow bowl, add the sesame seeds. Take one dough rope and dip it into the water-and-molasses mixture, then roll it in the sesame seeds until coated. Pinch the ends together to form a ring. Place the sesame-coated ring on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cover the rings and let them rest for about 20-30 minutes, allowing them to rise slightly.
- Bake the Bread RingsPreheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Place a tray with hot water on the lower rack and place the baking tray on the middle rack. Bake the rings for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and EnjoyTransfer the baked rings immediately to wire racks to cool. Serve and enjoy these crunchy, sesame-covered treats with coffee or as a snack!
