Greek Prosphora Bread (Offering Bread)

Recipe directions

• Preparing the Sourdough Starter
• Add 1 1/2 tsp of the sugar in a bowl. Add the fresh yeast, some water, some of the flour and mix well.
• Set aside for 10 minutes.
• Making the Bread Dough
• Transfer the sourdough to a big bowl. Add the remaining sugar, water and mix.
• Add the seed oil, anise seeds into the bowl and mix.
• Gradually add the flour while mixing.
• Add the ouzo, salt and knead for about 5 minutes.
• Set the dough aside for about 40 minutes.
• Kneading the bread
• Sprinkle some flour on a wooden surface. Transfer the dough on the floured surface and knead a bit.
• Cut four pieces of 14 oz (400 g) each. Set the remaining large piece of the dough aside.
• Knead all the dough pieces slightly and shape them into rounds.
• Place each dough into round baking pans lined with parchment paper. Press the dough gently to fit in the baking pans.
• Spray some water on the dough.
• Preheat the oven to 340 F (170 C) air. Bake the smaller pieces for 20-25 minutes and the big one for about 45-50 minutes.
• Set the bread aside to cool.
• Spray some rose water on the bread and sprinkle icing sugar on top.