Greek Easter Biscotti (Biscotti Greci Pasquali)
These Greek Easter Biscotti are a delightful traditional treat that will fill your home with a wonderful aroma of lemon and spices. Perfect for any festive occasion, these sweet biscuits are made with a combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of coriander, all rolled into charming shapes and baked until golden. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite hot beverage, these biscotti bring joy and deliciousness to any celebration.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 600g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 140g |
| Sugar | 170g |
| Eggs | 115g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Lemon juice | 55g |
| Baking powder | 4g |
| Ground coriander | ¼ tsp |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Fresh cream (heavy cream) | 15g |
| Sesame seeds | To taste |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by placing the eggs and olive oil into a large mixing bowl. Using a whisk, mix together as you gradually add the sugar. |
| 2 | Once the sugar is well incorporated, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and ground coriander. Mix everything until fully combined. |
| 3 | In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together. Gradually add 2/3 of the flour mixture (about 400g) to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously with a whisk. |
| 4 | Once the first part of the flour mixture is fully absorbed, add the remaining 1/3 (about 200g) of the flour mixture and mix until smooth and firm. |
| 5 | Now, take approximately 65g of dough and roll it into a cord shape about 1 cm thick and 30 cm long. Repeat the process with another portion of dough. |
| 6 | Take the second piece of dough and form a ring by joining the ends of the cord, or alternatively, coil it into a spiral shape for a different design. Continue until all the dough is used up. |
| 7 | Once all the dough is shaped into your desired form, brush the biscotti with the egg yolk and cream mixture. |
| 8 | Sprinkle sesame seeds over the biscotti, either covering all of them or just some for variety. |
| 9 | Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the biscotti in a static oven for about 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown. |
| 10 | Once baked, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool. After they have cooled, your Greek Easter Biscotti are ready to be enjoyed. |
Notes:
- These biscotti can be stored in an airtight container for several days and retain their fresh taste and crunch.
- If you want a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of lemon zest to suit your taste.
- For a variation, you could also dip the baked biscotti in chocolate for a richer treat.
These Greek Easter Biscotti are more than just a sweet snack; they carry with them the flavors and traditions of Greek Easter celebrations. Whether you make them for a special holiday or simply as a delightful treat for any occasion, they are sure to impress family and friends with their unique flavors and beautiful shapes. Enjoy!
