Traditional Greek Lazarakia: A Lenten Sweet Bread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 1 sachet of instant yeast (around 7 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 60 grams of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 60 millilitres of olive oil
  • 250 millilitres of lukewarm water
  • 1 egg (for the dough)
  • 1 egg (for glazing)
  • Whole almonds for decoration

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
  2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the olive oil, lukewarm water, and one egg.
  3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  6. After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a Lazarus shape. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of each Lazarakia. Press a whole almond into each one for decoration.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Lazarakia are golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
  • Sprinkle chopped walnuts or raisins into the dough for added texture and sweetness.
  • Instead of shaping the dough into Lazarus shapes, roll it out and cut it into traditional cookie shapes for a different presentation.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacer.
  • Drizzle the baked Lazarakia with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a sweet finishing touch.
  • Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
  • Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dough for a softer texture.
  • Create a savory version by omitting the sugar and spices and stuffing the dough with a mixture of feta cheese and herbs.

Recipe overview

Lazarakia are traditional Greek sweet breads that are typically made during Lent, specifically on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. These small breads are beautifully shaped to represent Lazarus wrapped in a shroud, symbolising the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The recipe requires basic bread ingredients like flour, yeast, and eggs, with additional flavors brought by spices like cinnamon and cloves. The process involves making and kneading the dough, shaping it, and baking until golden brown. The resulting Lazarakia are subtly sweet, delicately spiced, and have a soft, bready texture. This recipe is straightforward to follow, even for those new to bread baking. It's a wonderful way to participate in Greek Easter traditions, or simply to enjoy a unique and delicious treat! Enjoy your baking process and the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste of the Lazarakia may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, but make sure to activate it in lukewarm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.
  3. Can I omit the ground cloves if I don't have any? Yes, you can omit the ground cloves if you don't have any or if you prefer not to use them. The recipe will still turn out delicious without them.
  4. How should I store the Lazarakia? Once completely cooled, store the Lazarakia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
  5. Can I add other nuts or dried fruits to the dough? Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates to the dough before kneading for added flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Lazarakia, charmingly shaped as little men, are traditionally baked in Greece on Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of the Holy Week before Orthodox Easter. These sweet and spiced breads pay homage to the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It's said that every Lazarakia is meant to represent Lazarus wrapped in his burial clothes. Bakers take care to shape the dough in a specific manner to symbolize Lazarus' tied hands and feet. The Lazarakia are usually enjoyed by children who adore their tasteful symbolism and sweet-cinnamony flavor. It's a beautiful way to engage the younger ones in the rich tapestry of religious traditions and celebrations!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.