The Heart of Greek Christmas: Christopsomo
Christopsomo, a staple in Greek Christmas celebrations, is more than just bread; it’s a symbol of abundance and blessings. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Greek tradition right into your kitchen.
Selecting the Right Ingredients for Christopsomo
Understanding the Role of Each Ingredient
To create the perfect Christopsomo, you’ll need:
- 800 g Lukewarm Water – Activates the yeast.
- 300 g Corn Flour & 1 kg All-Purpose Flour – The base of your bread.
- 16 g Dry Yeast – For the dough to rise.
- 10 g Aniseed (Optional) – Adds a distinctive flavor.
- 20 g Salt & 40 g Sugar – Balances the taste.
- 60 g Olive Oil – Gives a moist texture.
- Decoration: Walnuts and Almonds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christopsomo
Preparing the Dough
Start by mixing the lukewarm water, aniseed, yeast, and sugar. Then, incorporate the olive oil, flours, and salt. Mix these for 5 minutes at a low speed to form a smooth dough.
Shaping and Decorating the Bread
After the dough has risen, knead and divide it. Shape the larger portion into a loaf and place it in a lined pan. Create a cross and crescents with the remaining dough, decorating with walnuts and optionally almonds.
Baking and Serving Your Christopsomo
Perfecting the Bake
Bake your Christopsomo at 180 Celsius (355 F) for an hour, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked through and golden.
Serving Your Greek Christmas Bread
Serve the bread as a central part of your Christmas feast, sharing the warmth and flavor of Greek tradition with family and friends.
Greek Christmas Bread
1
round loaf30
minutes1
hour2158
kcal1
hour30
minutesEmbark on a culinary journey with our authentic Christopsomo recipe, a cherished Greek Christmas bread. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to baking this symbolic and flavorful loaf. From selecting quality ingredients to the final touches of decoration, each element is carefully explained to ensure your Christopsomo is not only delicious but also steeped in tradition, making your holiday celebrations truly special.
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Ingredients
800 g 28.2 Water, lukewarm
300 g 10.6 oz Corn flour
1 kg 2 lb All purpose flour
16 g 0.6 oz Dry yeast
10 g 0.4 oz Aniseed (optional)
20 g 0.7 oz Salt
40 g 1.4 oz Sugar
60 g 2.1 oz Olive oil
4 4 Walnuts (to decorate)
Almonds (to decorate)
Recipe directions
- In the mixer’s bowl, add the lukewarm water, aniseed, yeast, sugar and stir a little.
- Add the olive oil, corn flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Beat in the mixer for 5 minutes at low speed.
- In a bowl, add a little oil and transfer the dough to the bowl. Score a cross on the dough, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle some flour on your countertop and transfer the dough on it. Knead for a minute to deflate the dough.
- Divide the dough into 3/4 and 1/4 portions. Take the larger piece of dough and shape it into a round loaf.
- Line a 30 cm (12 inches) round pan with parchment paper and transfer the dough to it.
- Divide the smaller piece of dough into 7 balls.
- Take three dough balls and roll them into thin strands.
- Place them parallel to each other and braid them. Then, cut the braid in the middle.
- Place the two pieces of dough on top of the round loaf, forming a cross.
- Roll the remaining four dough balls into round shapes. Fold each round piece in half, forming a crescent. Seal the edges of the dough by pressing with a fork.
- Place each piece on the outer part of the loaf, around its perimeter, and press with your hands to spread it a little. The dough should touch the pan.
- Place the walnuts at the four points of the loaf, pressing them in.
Optionally, you can also decorate the cross with almonds. Spray the dough with sugar water where the almonds are and press them gently so they stick to the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 180 Celsius (355 F), place the pan on the lower rack of the oven, and bake for one hour.
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Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
Calories2158
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Fat
70.9g
108%
- Saturated Fat 10g 50%
- Sodium 7802mg 326%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Potassium 1526mg 44%
- Total Carbohydrate
358g
120%
- Dietary Fiber 29.4g 116%
- Sugars 42.2g
- Protein 39g 78%
- Calcium 140%
- Iron 18%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.