This cheesy-garlicky loaf, packed with flavours and soft buttery layers tastes similar to a croissant while being much easier to make and healthier to consume.
Ingredients
- For the Bread Dough
- 1¾ Cup Flour
- 1/3 Cup Warm Water
- 1 Eggs
- 1 Tsp Yeast (active dry)
- 1.5 Tbsp Honey (or use sugar)
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1 Egg Wash
- For the Filling
- 1/3 Cup Cheese (grated)
- 2 Tbsp Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp Parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 Tsp Salt & pepper
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil/Melted butter
Preparation
Prep: 3 hours
Cooking: 30 minutes
- Mix warm water, yeast and honey in a bowl. Allow the yeast to bloom for 10-12 minutes.
- Sieve the flour and salt in a large bowl, make a well in the centre and pour in the water-yeast mixture, olive oil and an egg. Beat the egg with a fork and start incorporating the flour with the wet ingredients.
- Once incorporated, knead the dough on a countertop for 7- 8 minutes until smooth. Allow the dough to rest for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Divide the dough into 3 or 4 equal parts (depending on the shape or braid you wish to make).
- Roll out each part into a square shape and brush the mixture (all ingredients from the “filling” list) generously.
- Roll the sheet and filling like a cigar to form a strand and pinch the ends together. Repeat for all the individual pieces.
- Once all strands are ready, form your braid and allow it to rest for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven at 190 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
- Beat an egg and brush it generously on the top of your braid before putting it in the oven. Bake at 190 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes on the middle rack with periodic checking.
- Broil it at 200 degrees Celsius for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- The picture shows a round braid made with 4 strands. Feel free to make a simple hair braid with 3 or 4 strands. You can also use butter or any other oil of your choice instead of olive oil. You can also make 2 smaller loaves instead of 1.
