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Kouloures (Κουλούρες)
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5 from 1 vote

Kouloures

Kouloures are like the Greek bagel, only less dense and with more sesame seeds!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Resting time3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Bread, Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Mia Kouppa

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Stand mixer

Ingredients

  • 4 ⅓ cups (650 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 ⅓ cups (330 mL) lukewarm water
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil

For the topping:

  • 2 cups (500 mL) lukewarm water
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup (140 grams) sesame seeds

Instructions

  • In a medium sized bowl whisk together the flour and the salt.  Set aside.
    4 ⅓ cups (650 grams) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the lukewarm water, yeast and sugar. Allow to sit for approximately 10 minutes until the surface bubbles.
    1 ⅓ cups (330 mL) lukewarm water, 1 tbsp active dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar
  • Add the flour/salt and the olive oil to the bowl of the stand mixer.  Using the dough hook attachment knead the dough for approximately 7 – 8 minutes at medium speed.  You will create a ball of dough.
    4 ⅓ cups (650 grams) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil
  • Grease the bottom of a large bowl with a little bit of olive oil and transfer the dough into this bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean tea towel and allow the dough to rise for approximately 2 – 4 hours, or until it is doubled in size.
  • Knead the dough for a few minutes by hand and then divide the dough into 10 equal pieces.  Taking one piece at a time, roll the dough out into a log and then join the two ends together in order to make a doughnut shape.  Place each formed kouloura onto a parchment lined baking sheet (you will need 2 large baking sheets for all 10 kouloures).
  • Then, in a medium sized bowl combine the 2 cups lukewarm water with the cornstarch and mix well until cornstarch dissolves.  In another bowl, add the sesame seeds.
    2 cups (500 mL) lukewarm water, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 cup (140 grams) sesame seeds
  • Take one kouloura at a time and dip it into the water and then into the sesame seeds, being sure to get seeds on both sides of the dough.  Return back to baking sheet.  Repeat with remaining kouloures.
  • Once all the kouloures have been covered with sesame seeds, cover the baking trays loosely with plastic wrap. Let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove the plastic wrap and bake your kouloures in the middle rack of the oven for 25 – 30 minutes, until the kouloures are lightly golden brown on top.
  • Enjoy!