Delicious and Fluffy Choereg Armenian Easter Bread Recipe

Enjoy the traditional Armenian Easter bread, Choereg, with its soft and fluffy texture and delicious aroma of mahleb and orange blossom water. This recipe is perfect for celebrating Easter and sharing with family and friends. It requires a few hours of rising time, but the end result is well worth the wait. Serve this sweet bread for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground mahleb
• 1 teaspoon ground anise
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• 4 eggs (3 for the dough, 1 for glazing)
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (for glazing)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, ground mahleb, and ground anise. Mix well.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, orange blossom water, and 3 beaten eggs.
4. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and shape each portion into a round loaf.
8. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a kitchen towel. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Whisk the remaining beaten egg yolk with a little water and brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
11. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
12. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.

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