Flaounes: Traditional Cypriot Easter sweet bread recipe

As the aroma of freshly baked Flaounes wafts through the air, it's a sure sign that Easter is near in Cyprus. Every household in Cyprus knows the joy of kneading dough, stuffing it with flavourful fillings, and eagerly waiting for them to come out of the oven. So, join in the culinary festivities, and indulge in this delightful recipe that brings generations together with a touch of deliciousness.

Easter is a time of joy and celebration for many cultures around the world, and Cyprus is no exception. One of the beloved traditional treats that adorn the Cypriot Easter table is flaounes, a delicious sweet bread that is both rich in flavour and steeped in history. Flaounes are a beloved part of Cypriot culinary heritage, with generations of families passing down their cherished recipes from one Easter to the next. In this article, we will explore the significance of flaounes in Cypriot culture and share a step-by-step recipe so that you can recreate this delectable treat in your own kitchen.

Flaounes, the time-honored Cypriot Easter pastry made with a traditional recipe and bursting with irresistible flavors.

Flaounes are typically prepared a few days before Easter and are meant to be enjoyed on Easter Sunday as part of the festive feast. These delightful pastries are made with a yeasted dough that is flavored with aromatic spices and filled with a unique mixture of cheese, eggs, and herbs. The filling is what sets flaounes apart and gives them their distinct taste and texture. The combination of salty cheese, fragrant spices, and the richness of eggs makes flaounes a truly irresistible treat.

The tradition of making flaounes dates back centuries and has its roots in the island's rich cultural heritage. In Cyprus, flaounes are not just a delicious treat, but they are also symbolic of the resurrection of Christ, which is at the heart of the Easter celebrations. The ingredients used in flaounes also have their own significance. The use of cheese symbolizes the richness and abundance of the resurrection, while the spices represent the spices that were used to anoint the body of Christ after his crucifixion. The unique combination of flavors and the labor of love that goes into making flaounes make them a cherished part of Cypriot Easter traditions.

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step recipe for flaounes so that you can recreate this delightful treat in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Flaouna Dough:

• 500g plain flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Mahlab, finely ground
• 1 teaspoon Mastic, finely ground
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 125g melted butter
• 1 sachet easy bake yeast
• a pinch of salt
• Approximately 80ml warm milk for kneading
• 60ml warm water

Filling and Glazing:

• 500g Flaounas cheese, or 250g haloumi and 250g mild cheddar as an alternative
• 1/4 cup semolina
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mahlab
• 1 tsp mastic
• 1 tsp chopped fresh mint
• 120g raisins
• 1 egg, whisked (for glazing)
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds (for glazing)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the filling in advance for best results. Grate the cheese finely and mix with beaten eggs, raisins, mint, mastic, mahlab, and semolina. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4-5 hours before baking.
2. To make the dough, sift the flour into a large bowl and add salt, baking powder, mahlab, and mastic. Mix well.
3. Add the melted butter and eggs to the dry ingredients, and gently mix with your fingers. Dissolve the yeast in warm water with sugar, and pour into the dough along with warm milk. Knead until the dough is firm but not too bread-like.
4. Cover the dough with cling film and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has almost doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, mix the remaining ingredients with the cheese filling and set aside. Roll out the dough into thin sheets and cut into 12 by 12 cm rectangles.
6. Sprinkle sesame seeds on a small plate and glaze the outer side of the dough rectangles with whisked egg. Press the dough onto the sesame seeds to embed them firmly.
7. Place a handful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough rectangle, glaze the edges with whisked egg, and fold, pinching the corners together to form a square-shaped parcel.
8. Transfer the Flaounas onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with whisked egg for a shiny glaze.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Allow the Flaounas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this traditional Cypriot Easter treat with family and friends!

Flaounes are not just a tasty treat, but they are also a labor of love that brings families together during the Easter season in Cyprus. The unique combination of flavours, the rich history, and the cultural significance make flaounes a cherished part of Cypriot culinary heritage. Why not give it a go and try your culinary skills at crafting these delectable sweet breads, infusing your Easter festivities with a taste of Cyprus? Happy baking and Καλό Πάσχα (Kalo Pascha) - Happy Easter!