Koulouri Thessalonikis (Greek Sesame Bread Ring)
Local name: Κουλούρι Θεσσαλονίκης
In short: Chewy ring-shaped bread dipped in a thin molasses syrup and coated in sesame seeds, a Greek breakfast on the go. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 1 h 20 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 365 kcal
Koulouri Thessalonikis is the sesame-covered bread ring sold on Greek street corners and from bakery carts, eaten as breakfast on the way to work. The dough is simple and chewy, and the ring is dipped in a thin molasses syrup before being rolled in sesame seeds, which gives it a shiny, toasty crust. It is best warm, plain or split and filled with tomato, cucumber and olives.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add the water and olive oil and knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces of about 100 g (3.5 oz). Roll each into a rope about 50 cm (20 inches) long, slightly thicker in the middle. Overlap the ends and press them together to make a ring.
- Whisk the molasses into the warm water in a shallow dish. Spread the sesame seeds on a plate.
- Dip each ring in the molasses water, then press it into the sesame seeds to coat generously on both sides. Set on parchment-lined trays and rest for 20 minutes. Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden and the seeds are toasted. Cool for 10 minutes and serve warm.
Tips
- The molasses and water dip gives the crust its color and makes the seeds stick. A light sugar syrup also works.
- Koulouri are best the day they are baked. Freeze extras and refresh them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 6 to 8 minutes.
Questions and answers
What is koulouri?
It is a ring of chewy bread coated in sesame seeds, sold in Greek bakeries and from street stalls. The Thessaloniki style is long and thin.
Can I freeze koulouri?
Yes, for up to 2 months. Refresh them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 6 to 8 minutes before eating.
What do you eat with koulouri?
It is eaten plain on the go, or split and filled with tomato, cucumber and olives for a quick lunch.
How long does it take to make Koulouri Thessalonikis (Greek Sesame Bread Ring)?
About 50 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Koulouri Thessalonikis (Greek Sesame Bread Ring)?
About 365 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 54 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 365 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
