Zakynthos: The Island of Natural Wonders and Blue Paradise
Zakynthos, in the Ionian Sea, is one of Greece’s most spectacular islands, famous for its turquoise beaches.
October 15, 2024
Homemade Greek Surprise Bread
A surprise bread revisited with Greek flavors, ideal for a friendly aperitif or buffet. Discover a variety of traditional Greek mezzes hidden in delicious country bread. Perfect for impressing your guests and transporting them to Greece for a meal.
Equipment
- 1 grand bol
- 1 Saladier
- 1 Linge humide
- 1 Plan de travail fariné
- 1 Four
- 1 Plaque de cuisson
- 1 Papier sulfurisé
- 1 Couteau à pain
- 1 Emporte-pièce for the bread
- Petits bols pour les garnitures
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Bread:
- 500 gr bread flour
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 1 packet of dry baker's yeast
- 1 T to c. sugar
- 2 T to c. this
- 2 T to s. olive oil
Ingredients for the Topping:
- 200 gr tzatziki
- 200 gr tarama
- 150 gr feta cheese
- 150 gr graviera (or kefalotyri)
- 150 gr kasseri
- 200 gr Red peppers grilled
- 150 gr louza (dried pork tenderloin)
- 150 gr pastourma (dried beef with spices)
- Kalamata olives for decoration
Instructions
Instructions for preparing the Bread:
- In a bowl, mix the yeast and sugar with a little lukewarm water. Let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture foams.
- In a large salad bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast and olive oil.
- Gradually add the rest of the lukewarm water while mixing until you obtain a homogeneous paste.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Oil your cookie cutter then flour it. Degas the dough. Then put your dough inside and wait until it grows a second time and forms a ball. Be careful that it doesn't overflow, then move on to the next step in the meantime.
Baking Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. It also depends on the type of oven.
- Let cool completely on a rack.
Preparation of Toppings:
- Cut the feta, graviera and kasseri into small pieces.
- Cut the roasted red peppers into strips.
- Arrange the louza and pastourma into thin slices.
Assembling the Surprise Bread:
- Once the bread has cooled, cut the top of the bread to create a "cap" and carefully scoop out the inside of the bread, leaving a thick crust.Start by going around the inside of the crust and then making three incisions that meet in a Y shape with your knife one centimeter below the base of your bread. The large block of crumb should then come out normally. Feel free to watch the video for this step.
- Fill the small sandwiches with the different fillings: tzatziki, tarama, pieces of feta, graviera, kasseri, strips of roasted red peppers, and slices of louza and pastourma.The goal is for your slices to be thin and to hold together. If you are not very comfortable, use small ready-made pots of tarama and tzatziki type cream and spread.
- Then put the different sandwiches back into the crust of the bread.
- Replace the “cap” of the bread.
- Decorate with kalamata olives or the remains of your sauces on the side so that your guests can eat the crust of your bread at the end.
Nutrition
Serving: 150grCalories: 350kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
An Explosion of Flavors with Greek Surprise Bread
A Fusion of Culinary Traditions
Greek Surprise Bread is much more than just an appetizer: it is a true fusion of Mediterranean culinary traditions, bringing a rich and authentic taste experience to every bite. This dish combines the art of traditional baking with the unique flavors of Greek mezze, offering a unique and tasty combination. Imagine a bread that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, containing treasures of Greek gastronomy. This surprise bread is an invitation to travel, allowing you to discover or rediscover the typical flavors of Greece.
Homemade Bread Overflowing with Flavors
The magic of this surprise bread lies in the richness and diversity of its toppings. Each slice reveals a new layer of flavors, from creamy tzatziki and tarama to savory cheeses like feta, graviera and kasseri. Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky touch, while slices of louza and pastourma add a spicy and salty note. This recipe harmoniously combines different textures and tastes, creating a true culinary symphony in the mouth. By integrating these typical ingredients, surprise bread becomes a tribute to Greek specialties, perfect for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.
A Festive and Friendly Dish
Greek surprise bread is the ideal dish for special occasions and family gatherings. Its impressive presentation and varied flavors make it a perfect choice for buffets and aperitif dinners. This bread, both rustic and sophisticated, immediately attracts attention and arouses curiosity. Slicing it in front of your guests will reveal a colorful and appetizing assortment of toppings that are sure to surprise and delight them. It is a dish that embodies the festive and friendly spirit of Greek cuisine, inviting everyone to share a moment of pleasure around the table.
A Simple Preparation for a Stunning Result
Despite its elaborate appearance, Greek surprise bread is relatively simple to prepare. The key to success lies in preparing the homemade bread dough, which requires a little patience but guarantees a delicious result. By following the steps in the recipe, you will be able to make crispy, golden brown bread to perfection, ready to be topped with delicious Greek specialties. The satisfaction of serving homemade surprise bread, filled with authentic flavors, is well worth the effort invested. It’s also a great opportunity to involve children or friends in the kitchen, making preparation even more friendly.
Authentic and Nourishing Ingredients
In addition to their exquisite taste, the ingredients used in this surprise bread are also beneficial for your health. Tzatziki, for example, is rich in protein and probiotics, thanks to the Greek yogurt used in its preparation. Feta and other cheeses provide calcium and protein, essential for healthy bones and muscles. Roasted red peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, while cured meats, like louza and pastourma, provide high-quality protein. This surprise bread is therefore not only delicious, but also nourishing and balanced, ideal for a friendly and healthy meal.
A Culinary Exploration Through Greek Mezzes
Greek surprise bread allows you to discover a variety of traditional mezzes, each bringing a unique and distinctive flavor. Tzatziki, with its mixture of yogurt, cucumber and garlic, offers creamy freshness, while tarama, made from fish roe, adds a salty and umami note. Feta, with its crumbly texture and tangy taste, contrasts nicely with the softer and creamier graviera and kasseri. Roasted red peppers provide smoky sweetness, and cured meats, like louza and pastourma, offer rich, spicy aromas. Each bite of this surprise bread is an invitation to a culinary journey through Greece.
A Customizable Recipe
The Greek cheese and charcuterie platter highlights high-quality local products. The cheeses are made from sheep or goat’s milk, often from family farms. The charcuterie is prepared using traditional methods, using local spices and herbs. By choosing these products, you support local producers and celebrate the richness of the Greek terroir.
| traditional cuisine |
tzatziki |
Feta cheese |
La Tapenade |
Argile Rouge |
Dolmades |
Figs |
Thessaloniki |
Moussaka |
Greek Salt |
Santorini |
Spanakopita |
Soap |
Kastellorizo |
Souvlaki | Bronze |
Rhodes |
Tarama |
Feta cheese |
Tapenade |
Chania |
Pastitsio |
Greek yogurt |
Mykonos |
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