Lazarakia bread recipe (Greek Easter Lazarus breads)

Ingredients

• 350 g lukewarm water (12.3 oz.)
• 8 g dry yeast (0.3 oz.)
• 10 g sugar (0.35 oz.)
• 70 g all purpose flour (2.5 oz.)
• 635 g all purpose flour (22 oz.)
• 90 g sugar (3.2 oz.)
• 1/2 tsp ground clove
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp mahleb powder (optional)
• 50 g olive oil (1.8 oz.)
• 25 g vegetable oil (0.9 oz.)
• 1 tbsp sugar dissolved in 50g/ 2 oz. water for coating
• 40 whole cloves for the eyes

Instructions

1. 1

   To prepare this Lazarakia bread recipe start by adding all the ingredients from the “mixture 1” into the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix to combine. Set aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the yeast to work.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl add the flour, spices, salt and sugar and mix with a spoon to combine.

3. 3

   Add this mixture in the stand mixers bowl along the yeast mixture from step 1. Pour in the olive oil and vegetable oil. Use a dough hook to knead the dough until smooth and not sticky for about 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, until it doubles its size.

5. 5

   Gently deflate the dough with your hands and separate the dough in 20 balls. Shape each ball like shown in the pictures.

6. 6

   Dissolve the sugar in the water and brush the top of the breads.

7. 7

   Bake in preheated oven at 160-170C for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Enjoy!