Tahinopita, also known as Tahini Pie, or Cyprus Sweet Bread, is a delicious pastry made with tahini paste. Tahini paste made from sesame seeds, gives the pastry its unique flavour combining the nutty taste of the tahini with sweet, fluffy bread, encased within a lovely crust. Tahinopita is a well-loved Cypriot pastry, enjoyed all year round, but especially eaten during Lent.
HOW TO MAKE TAHINOPITA
Ingredients:
1 cup of warm milk
1/4 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter
2 large eggs
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 a teaspoon of salt
1 cup of tahini paste
1/2 a cup honey
1/2 a cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 a cup of finely chopped nuts
Instructions:
Combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast into a small bowl, creating a mixture of good consistency.
Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
In a larger bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs.
Once the yeast mixture is ready, mix it into the egg and butter mixture, and then add the flour with the salt.
Carry on mixing until a dough forms, kneading for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the consistency becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or cling film, allowing the dough to rise at room temperature for between 1 to 2 hours or until the dough doubles in size.
Combine the tahini paste with a quarter cup of honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl mixing until smooth.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the tahini filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, and then sprinkle the chopped nuts across the filling.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, then place it into a greased pie tin, shaping it into a spiral or coil and then flattening if necessary to fit nicely.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Drizzle the remainder of the honey on top and then allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
