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GreekAuthentic Cuisine

Kourabiedes Tray Bake Bars

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry, Christmas

Kourabiedes Tray Bake Bars

Kourabiedes Tray Bake Bars are a nod to the bustling Christmas bakeries that dot Greece during the festive season. This home-spun version captures the essence of a family recipe, where olive oil is poured freely, salt is added by instinct, and a hint of lemon is never missing. It's a dish that brings the warmth of Greek holiday traditions straight to your kitchen.

These bars should greet you with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, punctuated by the subtle crunch of almonds. The brush of rosewater adds a floral whisper, while a generous coating of powdered sugar blankets each piece in sweetness. Enjoy them as a delightful festive treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

  • 250 gbutter
  • 100 gsugar
  • 350 gflour
  • 100 galmonds — chopped
  • rosewaterto brush
  • powdered sugarto coat
  • 1egg yolk

Method

  1. Start by bringing 250 g of butter to room temperature. This will ensure it creams smoothly with the sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough. Meanwhile, separate 1 egg yolk and allow it to come to room temperature as well.
  2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 100 g of sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which indicates that the sugar has dissolved into the butter.
  3. Gradually add the room temperature egg yolk to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated. This will help bind the dough and give it a rich texture.
  4. Finely chop 100 g of almonds and fold them into the mixture along with 350 g of flour. Use a spatula to combine until the mixture forms a soft dough. The dough should not be sticky but should hold together when pressed.
  5. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and press the dough evenly into the tray. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface, ensuring an even thickness throughout for uniform baking.
  6. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft to the touch.
  7. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and immediately brush the surface with rosewater. This imparts a fragrant aroma and traditional flavor to the bars.
  8. Allow the tray to cool slightly before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles. Generously dust with powdered sugar while the bars are still warm to ensure it adheres well.
  9. Let the bars cool completely before serving. The powdered sugar will form a delicate, sweet coating, and the bars will have a tender, crumbly texture characteristic of traditional kourabiedes.
Cover of Authentic Greek Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Greek Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Greek Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Greek volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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