Koulouri Thessalonikis Recipe – Greek Special

Koulouri Thessalonikis is a cherished Greek street food, particularly popular in Thessaloniki. These sesame-coated bread rings offer a delightful contrast between their crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior. Often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or snack, koulouri is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. Making them at home allows you to experience the authentic taste and aroma of this beloved treat, perfect with a cup of Greek coffee or fresh orange juice.

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time20 min
  • Perform Time1 hr
  • Total Time1 hr 40 min

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • ¼ cup olive oil

For the Coating:

  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup sesame seeds (lightly toasted)

Prepare the Dough:

1

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar.

2

Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

3

Add olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix to form a dough.

4

Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5

Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat the Oven:

6

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

7

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Shape the Koulouri:

8

Punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal pieces.

9

Roll each piece into a rope (about 10–12 inches long) and join the ends to form a ring.

10

In a shallow bowl, mix warm water with honey.

11

Dip each ring into the honey water, then coat thoroughly with sesame seeds.

Bake:

12

Place the coated rings on the prepared baking tray.

13

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

14

Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.

15

Enjoy plain, or pair with cheese, jam, or olives.

Recipe Notes :

Dough Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size to ensure proper fermentation.

Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for optimal baking results.

Sesame Seed Coating: For an even sesame coating, dip each dough ring into a honey-water mixture before rolling in toasted sesame seeds.

Storage Tips: Store cooled koulouri in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

Vegan Alternatives: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version of this traditional recipe.