Koulouri

HealthyRecipes
Servings: 8 Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Koulouri Thessalonikis - Crispy, golden sesame rings straight from the streets of Thessaloniki!
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Authentic Greek Sesame Bread Rings

Koulouri

Experience Greece’s iconic street food with this healthy, vegan Koulouri Thessalonikis recipe!

These irresistible sesame bread rings boast a crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior. Originating from Thessaloniki, this snack is traditionally enjoyed with coffee or dipped in hummus. Our version uses whole wheat flour and olive oil for added nutrition, making it guilt-free and diabetic-friendly. Easy to make and perfect for busy mornings or picnics!

Recommended Occasions: Breakfast, on-the-go snacks, picnics, lunchboxes, or paired with Greek dips (tzatziki/hummus).

Enjoy your homemade taste of Greece!

Author: HealthyRecipes Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses: , , , , , Recipe Keys: D Diabetic Friendly Nut Free Vegan Vegetarian
Koulouri
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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 90 mins Rest Time 20 mins Total Time 2 hrs 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 390  F Servings: 8 Calories: 220 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

For the Dough:

For Coating:

Optional Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast:

    Dissolve sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle yeast over it, stir, and let sit 5-10 mins until frothy.

  2. Make Dough:

    In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 8-10 mins until smooth.

  3. First Rise:

    Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and rest in a warm spot for 1 hour (until doubled).

  4. Shape Rings:

    Punch down dough. Divide into 8 balls. Roll each into 12-inch (30cm) ropes, form rings, and seal ends.

  5. Second Rise:

    Arrange rings on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and rest 30 mins.

  6. Coat with Sesame:

    Brush rings with water-flour paste. Generously coat with sesame seeds.

  7. Bake:

    Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake 15-20 mins until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 220kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 145mg7%
Potassium 110mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 0.5g
Protein 8g16%
Calcium 50 mg
Iron 3 mg
Magnesium 45 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Greek sesame bread, healthy vegan bread, easy homemade Koulouri, diabetic-friendly snack, whole wheat bread rings, high-protein vegan recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum for elasticity.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container 3 days at room temp. Freeze for 2 months; reheat in oven to crisp.

Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour provides slow-release carbs, and sugar content is minimal (only 1 tsp for yeast activation).

Why won’t my sesame seeds stick?

The water-flour paste acts as "glue." Ensure rings are brushed evenly before coating.

Can I add more protein?

Mix 2 tbsp chia seeds into the dough. Each ring gains ~2g extra protein.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes! Skip the activation step; mix directly with flour. Resting time remains the same.