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Kouloúria Thessalonikis

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.
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Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (250 grams) bread flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1-1/2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp (14 grams) extra virgin olive oil
Topping
  • 2 cups (120 ml) Warm Water
  • 3 tbsp Molasses
  • 1 cup (140 grams) Sesame Seeds

Method
 

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add Water
    Pour 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.
  3. Knead the Dough
    Knead 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.
  4. Shape the Dough
    Dust 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.
  5. Dip and Second Rise
    In 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.
  6. Bake the Bread Rings
    Preheat 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.
  7. Cool and Enjoy
    Transfer the baked rings immediately to wire racks to cool. Serve and enjoy these crunchy, sesame-covered treats with coffee or as a snack!