Koulouri (Greek Sesame Bread Rings)
These traditional Greek bread rings are subtly sweet, chewy, and coated in sesame seeds. Perfect for breakfast or a light snack, they are naturally vegan and satisfying.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 15 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 428 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten and sesame. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 380 gall-purpose flour
- 7 gactive dry yeast
- 15 ggranulated sugar
- 5 gsalt
- 250 mlwarm water
- 30 mlolive oil
coating
- 60 mlgrape molasses
- 120 mlwater
- 150 gsesame seeds
Equipment
baking sheets · large bowl · wire rack · parchment paper · shallow dishes
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
- 2
Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: The water should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 3
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- 4
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: A slightly warm oven (turned off) can be a good place for dough to rise.
- 5
While the dough is rising, prepare the coating by whisking the grape molasses and water in a shallow dish.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the molasses is fully dissolved in the water.
- 6
Spread the sesame seeds on a separate plate or shallow dish.
- 7
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
About 10 min
- 8
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: For even koulouri, use a kitchen scale to weigh the dough pieces.
- 9
Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) in length.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Try to keep the thickness consistent along the rope.
- 10
Form each rope into a ring by joining the ends and pressing firmly to seal.
About 3 min
- 11
Dip each koulouri ring first into the grape molasses mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then immediately transfer it to the plate of sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Be generous with the sesame seeds for maximum flavor and crunch.
- 12
Place the coated koulouri rings on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
About 1 min
- 13
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Baking time may vary depending on your oven; keep an eye on them.
- 14
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 427.9kcal
- Protein
- 11.3g
- Carbs
- 56.9g
- Fat
- 17.8g
- Fibre
- 5g
- Sugar
- 2.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover koulouri in an airtight container at room temperature.
Reheat in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.