Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis Recipe - Traditional Greek Bread with Citrus Fruits and Spices

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 3 loaves

Introduction

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis, also known as Lady Zini's Christmas Bread, is a traditional Greek holiday bread that is rich in flavor and history. This sweet and aromatic bread is a staple during the Christmas season and is often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

History

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis has been a part of Greek Christmas traditions for generations. The recipe is said to have originated in the village of Kalamata, where Lady Zini, a beloved member of the community, would bake this special bread every year for her family and friends. The bread is filled with warm spices, dried fruits, and citrus flavors, making it a festive and delicious treat.

Ingredients

4.5 cups semolina flour
2.25 cups sugar
3 tbsp freshly ground cinnamon
1 tbsp freshly ground anise
1 tbsp freshly ground coriander
2 tsp freshly ground cloves
3 oranges
6 tangerines
2.5 cups dried currants
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup mild olive oil

Starter dough

4 packs active dry yeast
0.5 tsp sugar
0.5 cup hot water, just above body temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading

How to prepare

To make the flavoring addition, combine the following ingredients in a bowl: semolina flour, sugar, cinnamon, anise, coriander, cloves, and finely grated zests of oranges and tangerines.
Squeeze the oranges and tangerines to obtain 1.25 cups of juice.
Soak the currants and raisins in half of the juice (approximately 1 cup). Let them soak for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
In a pan, heat the remaining juice along with the olive oil until it is almost boiling.
Pour the heated juice and oil mixture into the bowl with the semolina and spice mixture. Stir well.
Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight until needed.
The next day, combine the dried yeast, sugar, and hot water in a cup.
In a separate bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center.
Pour the yeast mixture into the well.
Warm 0.67 cup of orange and tangerine juice and add it to the flour mixture.
Work the ingredients together to form a smooth dough. Add more water or warm juice if necessary.
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it almost doubles in size (approximately 1 hour).
Punch down the dough in the bowl.
Combine the drained currants and raisins with the semolina and spice mixture. Use your hands to mix them with the dough.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 10 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is sticky.
Divide the dough into three equal pieces.
Oil three loaf pans, each with a capacity of 1.5 qt (1.42 liter).
Shape each piece of dough to fit the length of the pan and place them in the pans, ensuring the corners are well filled.
Cover the pans with a cloth and let them rise in a warm place until they almost double in size (approximately 1 hour).
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Bake the loaves for 1 hour and 10 minutes or more, until they turn a rich brown color and make a hollow sound when thumped on the bottom.
Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a rack.
The bread will stay fresh for at least 3 weeks.

Variations

Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
Substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the currants and raisins for a different twist on the traditional recipe.
Drizzle the bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a sweet finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the currants and raisins in the orange and tangerine juice for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to develop the gluten and create a light and airy texture in the bread.

- Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm place until it almost doubles in size before baking to ensure a fluffy and tender loaf.

- Store the bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis warm with a spread of butter or honey for a delicious breakfast or snack. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to develop the gluten and create a light and airy texture in the bread.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it almost doubles in size before baking to ensure a fluffy and tender loaf.

- Bake the loaves until they turn a rich brown color and make a hollow sound when thumped on the bottom to ensure they are fully cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.

- Substitute dried cranberries, apricots, or figs for the currants and raisins for a different flavor profile.

- Use vegetable oil or melted butter in place of olive oil for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for a convenient make-ahead option.

- Bake the loaves in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the bread and arrange it on a platter with fresh fruit and cheese for a festive holiday appetizer. - Serve the bread on a decorative plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

- Serve the bread alongside a cheese platter or charcuterie board for a delicious and festive appetizer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

- To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis contains approximately 300 calories. Calories provide the energy needed for daily activities and bodily functions.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis contains approximately 10 grams of fats. Fats are important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis contains approximately 5 grams of proteins. Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function.

Vitamins and minerals

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. Vitamin C is important for immune function, vitamin A is essential for vision and skin health, and iron is necessary for oxygen transport in the body.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and may contain traces of nuts from the dried fruits. It is important to be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when preparing and consuming this bread.

Summary

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis is a flavorful and festive bread that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious treat to enjoy during the holiday season and provides essential nutrients for overall health and well-being.

Summary

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis is a traditional Greek holiday bread that is rich in flavor and history. This sweet and aromatic bread is filled with warm spices, dried fruits, and citrus flavors, making it a festive and delicious treat to enjoy during the Christmas season. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a beautiful loaf of bread that will delight your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting the local farmer's market to stock up on fresh produce for my weekly cooking endeavors. As I strolled through the bustling market, my eyes were drawn to a small stand tucked away in the corner, where an elderly woman was selling an array of homemade breads and pastries.

Intrigued by the delicious smells wafting from her stand, I made my way over to take a closer look. The woman greeted me with a warm smile and introduced herself as Kiria Zini. She explained that she had been baking traditional Greek breads and pastries for over fifty years, using recipes that had been passed down through generations of her family.

I was immediately captivated by her passion for cooking and her wealth of knowledge about Greek cuisine. As we chatted, Kiria Zini mentioned a special recipe that she had learned from her own grandmother - a recipe for Christopsomo, or Christ Bread, that was traditionally baked during the Christmas season.

Intrigued by the sound of this festive bread, I asked Kiria Zini if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, kneading dough and shaping the loaves while she shared the story behind the recipe.

According to Kiria Zini, Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis was a bread that had been baked in her family for generations, dating back to her great-grandmother's time. It was a bread that was traditionally served on Christmas Eve, as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.

The recipe itself was a labor of love, requiring a mix of flour, yeast, honey, olive oil, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The dough was then shaped into a round loaf, with a cross at the center to represent the birth of Christ.

As the bread baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its sweet and spicy aroma, Kiria Zini shared stories of her childhood Christmases spent surrounded by family and friends, gathered around the table to break bread and share laughter and memories.

By the time the bread was ready, I felt as though I had been transported back in time, experiencing a taste of the traditions and flavors of Kiria Zini's family. As we sat down to enjoy the freshly baked Christopsomo, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own family's Christmas celebrations.

Over the years, I have continued to bake Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis, passing down the recipe and the stories behind it to my own children and grandchildren. Each year, as we gather around the table to break bread and share in the warmth and joy of the holiday season, I am reminded of that fateful day at the farmer's market, when I stumbled upon a treasure trove of culinary traditions and a friendship that would last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever grateful.