Traditional Armenian Choreg Recipe For Celebrations

Today, I’m excited to share a delightful traditional Armenian sweet bread known as Chorek, or choreg. This beautiful bread, rich in flavor and history, is perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Its enticing aroma fills the kitchen, pulling everyone in for a taste. Let’s explore how to make this delightful treat!

Chorek: A Taste of Tradition

Chorek is not just any bread; it’s a sweet, soft delight that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Armenia. Often enjoyed during festive occasions, this bread has a unique flavor profile thanks to the spices it incorporates.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this wonderful bread:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, warmed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mahleb (a unique spice from cherry pits)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

Making Chorek is a rewarding process that fills your home with glorious scents. Follow these steps to bake your own:

In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in the warmed milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and ground mahleb. Mix well.
Create a well in the center and add in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into small balls or braid it if you prefer. Place the shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
If desired, brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chorek fresh out of the oven! This sweet bread pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and is sure to impress everyone at your table.