Nut and Turkish Delight Brioche

Nut and Turkish Delight Sweet Bread - a classic recipe, full of flavor and tradition, perfect for any special occasion or simply to bring a touch of joy to every day. This aromatic delicacy, with a fluffy texture and delicious filling, will turn any meal into a feast. Get ready to discover step by step how to create this special sweet bread, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring pleasant memories with every slice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients needed:

- 1 kg wheat flour
- 500 ml warm milk
- 4 eggs (3 yolks and 1 whole egg for brushing)
- 200 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml oil
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 100 g Turkish delight, diced
- 50 g cocoa
- 1 essence of rum
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt

Brief history:

Sweet bread is a traditional recipe, loved in many cultures, often prepared for holidays or family gatherings. This cake symbolizes unity and joy, bringing people together around the table. Over the years, each family has developed its own variations, adapting the traditional recipe to their tastes and customs. Nut and Turkish Delight sweet bread is among the most beloved variants, combining the fluffy texture of the dough with the rich filling of nuts and the sweetness of Turkish delight.

Preparing the dough:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature a day before preparation. This will help achieve a fluffier texture for the sweet bread.
2. Make the starter: In a small bowl, dissolve 50 g of fresh yeast with 1 tablespoon of flour and 100 ml of warm milk. Cover and let it rise for 15-20 minutes until frothy.
3. Mixing the yolks: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the 3 yolks with 200 g of sugar and a pinch of salt until they turn pale and creamy.
4. Add the milk: Heat the remaining 400 ml of milk and add it to the yolk mixture. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously to avoid lumps. Continue adding flour until the dough is homogeneous.
6. Add the butter and oil: Melt 50 g of butter and mix it with 50 ml of oil. Incorporate the butter and oil mixture into the dough gradually until everything is well combined. The dough should be elastic and not stick to your hands.
7. Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling:

1. Whip the egg whites: Meanwhile, beat the remaining egg white until frothy, gradually adding 50 g of sugar and 50 g of cocoa until you obtain a creamy mixture.
2. Add Turkish delight: In the egg white and cocoa mixture, add the diced Turkish delight and gently mix to distribute evenly.

Assembling the sweet bread:

1. Divide the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Each part will be divided again into two, resulting in four pieces.
2. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a rectangle using a rolling pin.
3. Add the filling: On each rectangle of dough, spread the cocoa and Turkish delight mixture, leaving the edges free.
4. Roll and braid: Roll each rectangle tightly, then braid the two rolls. This technique will not only create a beautiful appearance but also help distribute the filling evenly.
5. Place in the baking pan: Place the sweet breads in a baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to rise. Cover them again and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Baking:

1. Preheat the oven: While the sweet breads are rising, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Brush with egg: Beat the remaining egg and brush each sweet bread to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Sprinkle a little sesame on top for extra flavor and texture.
3. Bake: Place the sweet breads in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

Serving:

Once the sweet breads are ready, let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut them into generous slices and enjoy them with a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea. This combination will turn every bite into a memorable experience.

Useful tips:

- Buy quality ingredients: Use good quality flour and fresh yeast to ensure excellent texture and flavor.
- Filling variations: You can experiment with various fillings, such as ground nuts, raisins, or even chocolate. Each variant will bring a different taste and aroma.
- Storage: The sweet bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, you can freeze it.

Nutritional benefits:

Nut and Turkish Delight sweet bread combines carbohydrates from flour with proteins from eggs and healthy fats from nuts and butter. Although it is a relatively calorie-rich dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be a delicious treat. A medium serving (about 100 g) contains approximately 350-400 calories but also provides essential nutrients, such as B vitamins and minerals from nuts.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount: use about 20 g of dry yeast for the equivalent of 50 g of fresh yeast.

2. How do I know when the sweet breads are ready?
The sweet breads are ready when they have a beautiful golden color and, in the toothpick test, it comes out clean.

3. Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping it.

Nut and Turkish Delight sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is a recipe that brings together tradition and the joy of cooking. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or give it as a gift, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. So let's put on our aprons and enjoy the magic of cooking!