Koulouri
A classic Greek sesame bread ring, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This vegan recipe yields a slightly sweet, chewy bread with a generous, crunchy sesame seed crust. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or with your morning coffee.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 10 min
- Serves
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 421 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten and sesame. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
dough
- 500 gall-purpose flour
- 7 gactive dry yeast
- 2 tbspgranulated sugar
- 1 tspsalt
- 3 tbspolive oil
- 300 mlwarm water, lukewarm
coating
- 1 cupwater
- 50 ggranulated sugar
- 150 gsesame seed, toasted or raw
Equipment
kitchen scale · parchment paper · large bowl · wire rack · baking sheet · oven
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and the dough's granulated sugar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: If the yeast doesn't foam, it may no longer be active. It is best to start over with fresh yeast.
- 2
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
About 1 min
- 3
Pour the foamy yeast mixture and the olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough begins to form.
About 2 min
- 4
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: The dough should spring back slowly when you press it with a finger.
- 5
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
About 1 hr
- 6
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
About 5 min
- 7
Prepare the coating by dissolving the coating's granulated sugar in the water in a shallow bowl. Spread the sesame seeds in a separate shallow dish or plate.
About 2 min
- 8
Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: A kitchen scale is useful for dividing the dough evenly for uniform rings.
- 9
Roll each piece of dough into a long rope about 50cm (20 inches) long. Form a ring by joining the ends, pinching them together firmly to seal.
About 5 min
- 10
Dip one ring at a time into the sugar water, then immediately dredge it in the sesame seeds, ensuring it's generously coated on all sides.
About 2 min
- 11
Place the coated rings on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Let them rest uncovered for 20 minutes.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: This short second rise helps develop a lighter texture.
- 12
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the koulouri are a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
About 20 min
- 13
Transfer the baked rings to a wire rack to cool before serving.
About 1 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 421.2kcal
- Protein
- 10g
- Carbs
- 62.2g
- Fat
- 15.1g
- Fibre
- 4.2g
- Sugar
- 10.2g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for best results.
Warm in an oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Endives Au Jambon
This classic French dish features tender braised endives wrapped in ham and baked in a creamy béchamel sauce. It's a comforting and savory meal perfect for a cozy dinner. The slight bitterness of the endives beautifully balances the rich sauce and salty ham.
1 hr 5 min 351 kcalsauce
Classic Bolognese Sauce
This rich and deeply flavored Bolognese sauce is a staple of Italian cuisine, perfect for tossing with pasta or layering in lasagna. It features a slow-cooked blend of meats, vegetables, and tomatoes, creating a robust and satisfying meal.
3 hr 20 min 414 kcallunch
Soy Curl Crispy Strips
These crispy soy curl strips are a delicious and satisfying vegan alternative to chicken tenders. Marinated and then pan-fried to golden perfection, they offer a delightful crunch with a tender interior. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a quick lunch or dinner.
50 min 501 kcalsoup
Mannish Water
A traditional Jamaican soup, Mannish Water is a rich and hearty dish made by simmering goat meat until incredibly tender. Loaded with root vegetables, aromatics like scotch bonnet and pimento, and finished with small, chewy dumplings called 'spinners', this soup is deeply flavorful and satisfying.
3 hrmain course
Beggar's Chicken
This traditional Chinese dish features a whole chicken, stuffed with aromatics, wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then slow-baked. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
5 hr 30 minmain course
Moules Marinières
Moules Marinières is a classic French dish featuring fresh mussels steamed in a flavorful broth of white wine, shallots, garlic, and herbs. This simple yet elegant recipe creates tender mussels perfect for a light main course served with crusty bread.
25 min 685 kcalsauce
Fred's Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and savory spaghetti sauce made with ground turkey, a variety of vegetables, and classic Italian herbs. This sauce is simmered to develop a rich, deep flavor that's perfect for topping your favorite pasta.
1 hr 40 min 243 kcal