These are a classic offering in Greece, particularly during periods of fasting. The aromas of the spices combined with the orange zest and sesame make these simple every day biscuits utterly delicious!
I only use about 7g of dough per long biscuit and 10g for the round ones because I enjoy them dainty but you can make them bigger, as soon as you adjust the baking time.
Ingredients (makes 50-65 pieces)
- 365g self raising flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 150ml light extra virgin olive oil
- 75ml fresh orange juice
- 25ml vodka or brandy
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1/4tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Method
Preheat the oven to 1800C.
Rinse the sesame seeds, drain and spread on a flat dish/baking tin.
Line two large baking tins with baking parchment or silicone mats.
In the bowl, sift the flour with the salt and baking powder.
In another bowl, use a hand whisk to mix the olive oil with the sugar, alcohol, spices and orange zest. Stir the soda into the orange juice and add that to the liquids.
Next, add the flour and with gentle moves make a soft dough without overworking it.
Take small pieces of dough in your hands and roll them into small sticks or a little longer to join the two ends and make what we call in Greek ‘koulourakia’.
As you finish with each, lay them gently onto the sesame seeds. When you have finished, roll them gently onto the sesame and place on the lined baking tins.
Bake for 20 minutes and leave to cool before enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.