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Home » In the Kitchen

Turmeric & Nigella Seed Easter Bread with Free Printable

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freshly baked Turmeric and Nigella Seed Easter Bread on a Made In baking slab

"The Fertile Crescent - the Cradle of Civilization where agriculture originated, or more recently - the Middle East, has long been a major center of world affairs...The first strokes of writing - the cuneiform script - were taken in this region and then used to record, on stone tablets, the oldest recipes known to man around the seventeenth century BCE."

- Reem Kassis

We love learning how to make different types of bread during our time in the kitchen and today we're sharing a delicious turmeric and nigella easter bread recipe.

With about an hour and a half of hands-on time, you can make a rich loaf of easter bread to enjoy year-round.

Grab your FREE recipe with pics below.

Learn more about how to cook with kids.

If you like this easter bread, you should try creamy baba ghanouj, matzo balls, easy sourdough bread, benne seed biscuits, cornbread, this pasta bake, Ukrainian bread, bannocks, cabbage pie, and Christmas cookies.

Contents hide
1 The Arabesque Table
2 Family & Kid's Cooking Resources
3 Ancient Civilizations
3.1 Montessorikiwi
4 Food from Around the World: Free Cooking Lessons
4.1 Free Cooking Course for Families
5 Braiding Option 1 - 5 Ropes
6 Braiding Option 2 - 3 Ropes
7 How to Make Turmeric & Nigella Seed Easter Bread
7.1 Ingredients
7.2 Equipment
7.3 1. Measure the Stevia
7.4 2. Add the Milk, Stevia, and Salt to a Pan
7.5 3. Add the Butter to the Pan
7.6 4. Weigh the Flour Needed to Make Easter Bread
7.7 5. Add Nigella Seeds, Turmeric, & Yeast to the Mixing Bowl
7.8 6. Add 2 Eggs and the Vanilla to the Milk Mixture
7.9 7. Add the Egg Mixture & Water to the Mixing Bowl
7.10 8. Transfer the Dough to an Oiled Bowl & Rest
7.11 9. Braid the Dough for Making Easter Bread & Rest
7.12 10. Apply an Egg Wash, Sprinkle With Nigella Seeds, and Bake
8 Free Turmeric & Nigella Seed Easter Bread Recipe
9 Free Easter Bread Recipe for Pre-Readers and Up
10 Turmeric & Nigella Seed Easter Bread
10.1 Equipment
10.2 Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x
10.3 Instructions
10.4 Notes
10.5 Nutrition

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Amazon links are not affiliate links. You can read my full affiliate disclosure.

The Arabesque Table and image of Easter Bread

The Arabesque Table

This turmeric and nigella seed easter bread recipe comes from The Arabesque Table: Contemporary Recipes from the Arab World by Reem Kassis.

It's an excellent resource to accompany any studies on the Middle East, whether the interest lies in food, history, or culture. As Reem shares:

"It is a journey from the earliest Arabic cookbooks on record to the dishes being cooked by cutting-edge Arab chefs and home cooks across the region and abroad."

- Reem Kassis

Learn more about Reem Kassis.

You can also stop by our shop to see more Family & Kids' Cooking Resources.

Family & Kid's Cooking Resources

Beautiful and diverse cooking resources for you!

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Cover of The Arabesque Table by Reem Kassis
Cuneiform tablet image from Timelines of Everything

Ancient Civilizations

Want to learn more about ancient civilizations?

Timelines of Everything covers many topics, including an example of cuneiform as seen above, and other early forms of written language.

Montessorikiwi's Ancient Civilizations Bundle is a grab-and-go resource with hands-on materials for exploring Ancient Egypt, Ancient Persia, and Ancient China.

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Montessorikiwi

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mallorcas, aloo chaat, bbq prawns, rabbit stew, cinnamon roll pound cake, picarones

Food from Around the World: Free Cooking Lessons

Learn from some of the most talented chefs around the world!

    Built with ConvertKit

    Free Cooking Course for Families

    Discover recipes for every continent! Sign up to receive free cooking lessons for the whole family. Learn from some of the most talented chefs around the world and participate in the quality practical life experiences Montessori education is known for.

    Find out more about the cooking course.

    What is this Easter Bread Made of?

    As written in The Arabesque Table:

    "Baking Easter bread is a common tradition among the Greek Orthodox community across the world. In the Levant, there is a sweet mahlab and mastic-flavored bread made specifically by the orthodox Christian community, but there is also a traditional anise-flavored bread made around Muslim and Christian holidays alike. This recipe took inspiration from both, creating a rich, sweet loaf, but flavored but flavored with turmeric and nigella seeds like numerous Arab pastries. The result is striking - a deep yellow-hued, braided (plaited) loaf, dotted with black seeds throughout, and complemented by a sweet flavor and tender crumb."

    - Reem Kassis

    What are Nigella Seeds?

    Nigella sativa, nigella seeds, black cumin, etc. are small black seeds with a slightly bitter flavor. They typically grow in Egypt and India and are commonly used as a pastry topping.

    According to Food Republic:

    "Nigella sativa seeds were said to have been found in King Tut’s tomb and have been used for thousands of years as a preservative, a spice, and as the Prophet Muhammad claimed, a seed with healing powers."

    - Food Republiccloseup of nigella seeds in a prep bowl

    Wondering How to Braid Easter Bread?

    There are two styles of braiding mentioned in The Arabesque Table. The first style seen above includes 5 ropes of dough while the second style next to it is a simpler braiding technique using 3 ropes.

    When learning how to braid the dough, we've found it's best to practice using other materials, such as embroidery floss and a clipboard. This way kids can take their time and the bread ingredients don't spoil.2 styles of braiding easter bread

    Braiding Option 1 - 5 Ropes

    Step 1 and 2 for braiding Easter Bread with 5 ropes

    For this braid, you'll need five ropes. Here we're starting with blue, green orange, white, and yellow.

    Move rope 1 over rope 3. Now we have green, orange, blue, white, and yellow.

    Step 3 and 4 for braiding Easter Bread with 5 ropes

    Next, move rope 2 over rope 3. Now we have green, blue, orange, white, and yellow.

    Finally, move rope 5 over rope 2.

    Repeat this process of moving rope 1 over 3, rope 2 over 3, and then rope 5 over 2 until you've reached the end.

    Braiding Option 2 - 3 Ropes

    Step 1 and 2 for braiding Easter Bread with 3 ropes

    For this braid, you'll need three ropes. For this demo, we're starting with yellow, white, and blue.

    Move the first rope over the center rope. Now we have white, yellow, and blue.

    Step 3 for braiding Easter Bread with 3 ropes

    Next, move the last rope over the center. We have white, blue, and yellow.

    Repeat this same process of moving the outer ropes over the center rope until you've completed the braid. When working with dough it's only a few moves until you're done.

    We went with option 2, and it was a lot of fun to create.

    freshly baked Turmeric and Nigella Seed Easter Bread on a Made In baking slab

    How to Make Turmeric & Nigella Seed Easter Bread

    This delicious sweet bread is versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the year. We've been enjoying it alone with butter and to sop up some bison stew.

    Reem recommends pairing it with a cup of tea and a salty white cheese, such as halloumi or Akkawi.

    ingredients and labels for making turmeric and nigella seed easter bread

    Ingredients

    • milk
    • butter - unsalted butter is recommended
    • stevia - this stevia & erythritol blend tastes just a bit sweeter than sugar. You can also use sugar
    • salt
    • flour - this all-purpose einkorn is an ancient grain that's easy to work with and tastier than some other flours we've used in the past
    • nigella seeds - these organic nigella seeds are grown in Egypt and ethically sourced
    • turmeric - this Pragati Turmeric boasts hints of marigolds, orange, sunshine, and honey
    • active dry yeast
    • eggs - we use farm-fresh eggs at room temperature
    • vanilla extract

    Equipment

    • Prep Bowls
    • Kitchen Scale
    • Pan
    • Stand Mixer
    • Baking Slab
    • Basting Brush
    • Berkey water filter
    • Bread Knife
    child weighing stevia using a kitchen scale

    1. Measure the Stevia

    Wash your hands with soap and water. Measure the stevia (or sweetener of choice) using a kitchen scale. Kids can learn about units and conversions as they show readiness.

    a child standing reading a recipe for Turmeric and Nigella Seed Easter Bread from The Arabesque Table cookbook

    Kaia enjoys reading the recipes and exploring the cookbook with her siblings between steps.

    3 kids in a learning tower. one child is pouring milk into a cast iron skillet using a measuring cup.

    2. Add the Milk, Stevia, and Salt to a Pan

    Turn the stove on medium-low and heat up your pan. Pour the milk into the pan and add the stevia. Measure the salt with a measuring spoon and add that as well.

    closeup of a child pouring a bowl of stevia into a cast iron skillet
    closeup of two kids in a learning tower. one child is smiling and holding a block of butter

    I should've known by the expression on Katalina's face that something was up. I was about to find out.

    action shot of a child throwing a block of butter into a cast iron skillet

    3. Add the Butter to the Pan

    You can simply add the butter to the pan or launch it into the air as we did. I recommend the former.

    3 kids in a learning tower at the stove. there's a pan on the stove and the kids are waiting for the butter inside to melt

    Give it a stir. We typically use a wooden spoon when working with cast iron. Katalina is really into the whisk right now so we're going with it.

    Once the butter is melted, turn off the stove and let it cool for 15-30 minutes.

    measuring all-purpose einkorn flour using a digital scale

    4. Weigh the Flour Needed to Make Easter Bread

    While the milk mixture is cooling, weigh the flour and transfer it to the stand mixer.

    Using the lightweight mixing bowl that comes with the mixer never ends well for us. Imagine our kitchen, but white. Instead, we use a heavier ceramic bowl for this task.

    closeup of nigella seeds in a prep bowl
    closeup of a child adding nigella seeds to a mixing bowl with flour

    5. Add Nigella Seeds, Turmeric, & Yeast to the Mixing Bowl

    Use your measuring spoon or your spice spoon to add the appropriate amount of nigella seeds, turmeric, and yeast for making this easter bread.

    jar of Diaspora Co. Pragati Turmeric alongside a bowl of nigella seeds. There is a spice spoon inside the turmeric jar
    closeup of a mixing bowl with all-purpose einkorn flour, turmeric, and nigella seeds
    kitchen aid mixer with a dough hook mixing flour and other ingredients

    Turn the mixer on low. Use the dough hook attachment to combine the ingredients. Turn off the mixer when finished.

    child whisking a butter and egg mixture in a cast iron skillet

    6. Add 2 Eggs and the Vanilla to the Milk Mixture

    Crack 2 eggs into the pan of cooled ingredients. Wash your hands. Measure the vanilla with a measuring spoon and add to the pan. Use a spoon or whisk to combine.

    closeup of child pouring water into a mixing bowl using a measuring cup

    7. Add the Egg Mixture & Water to the Mixing Bowl

    Turn the mixer on medium-low to knead. The dough should be smooth and elastic when finished.

    If the dough is stiff, Reem suggests adding 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the dough is elastic.

    Turn off the mixer.

    dough resting in a bowl

    8. Transfer the Dough to an Oiled Bowl & Rest

    Add a small amount of oil to a clean bowl and swirl it around before adding the easter bread dough. You can turn the dough around in the bowl to cover it with the oil.

    Cover it with a tea towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm spot. The dough is ready when it's doubled in size, around 1 hour.

    dough resting in a bowl with plastic wrap over it
    braided dough for making easter bread on a silicone baking mat

    9. Braid the Dough for Making Easter Bread & Rest

    Transfer your dough to a clean surface and use a dough scraper to separate it into the number of ropes you'll be needing for your braid, 3 or 5.

    Don't do what we did. Braid your dough in the baking slab or baking sheet you're going to bake it in. After we braided our dough, I used an Uncle Buck-sized spatula to carefully transfer it to the baking slab. Way easier to braid it where you bake it.

    See the step-by-step at the top for braiding options. Press the ends together and tuck them under the loaf.

    Cover with a damp tea towel. Let it rest for 1 hour.

    Braided Easter Bread dough on a Made In baking slab
    Turmeric and Nigella Seed Easter Bread dough on a Made In Baking Slab. Beside the baking slab is an egg wash and a pastry brush

    10. Apply an Egg Wash, Sprinkle With Nigella Seeds, and Bake

    Turn the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Crack the remaining egg into a bowl and whisk. Use a basting brush to apply the egg wash to the entire loaf.

    Sprinkle more nigella seeds on top.

    Bake for 45-55 minutes.

    Kaia is in the process of losing some baby teeth and growing in some adult ones, so we took it out of the oven just as soon as it was baked through. You could leave it in for a few extra minutes to achieve the rich brown color in the cookbook.

    The easter bread will be dark golden brown and hollow when it's tapped.

    freshly baked Turmeric and Nigella Seed Easter Bread on a Made In baking slab

    Turn off the oven when finished and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

    Made In Olive Wood Bread Knife on a Butcher Block

    Slice with a bread knife and serve warm.

    turmeric and nigella seed easter bread ingredients list snippet

    Free Turmeric & Nigella Seed Easter Bread Recipe

    For you to try at home!

      Built with ConvertKit

      Free Easter Bread Recipe for Pre-Readers and Up

      Grab your free printable recipe cards above. Kids can gather ingredients using the ingredient list, gather their equipment with the tools list, and prepare the meal using the step-by-step recipe cards, with assistance as needed.

      freshly baked Turmeric and Nigella Seed Easter Bread on a Made In baking slab

      Turmeric & Nigella Seed Easter Bread

      Kristin
      This turmeric & nigella seed easter bread recipe from The Arabesque Table is the perfect braided easter bread to enjoy year-round. Grab a free printable recipe with pics to learn how to make and braid easter bread.
      5 from 1 vote
      Pin Recipe Print Recipe
      Prevent your screen from going dark
      Prep Time 50 minutes mins
      Cook Time 50 minutes mins
      Resting Time 2 hours hrs
      Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
      Course Side Dish
      Cuisine Arab
      Servings 12 people
      Calories 280 kcal

      Equipment

      • Apron
      • Prep Bowls
      • Measuring Spoons
      • Kitchen Scale
      • Measuring Cup
      • Pan
      • Spoon
      • Stand Mixer
      • Plastic Wrap
      • Silicone Baking Mat
      • Dough Scraper
      • Baking Slab
      • Basting Brush
      • Bread Knife
      • The Arabesque Table

      Ingredients 
       

      • 1 cup whole milk
      • 6 tablespoon unsalted butter
      • ¾ cup stevia
      • 1 teaspoon salt
      • ¼ cup water
      • 5 ¾ cups all-purpose einkorn flour
      • 2 tablespoon nigella seeds plus more for sprinkling
      • 1 tablespoon turmeric
      • 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
      • 3 eggs
      • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

      Instructions 

      • Wash your hands with soap and water. Measure the stevia (or sweetener of choice) using a kitchen scale. Kids can learn about units and conversions as they show readiness.
      • Turn the stove on medium-low and heat up your pan. Pour the milk into the pan and add the stevia. Measure the salt with a measuring spoon and add that as well.
      • Add the butter to the pan. Give it a stir. Once the butter is melted, turn off the stove and let it cool for 15-30 minutes.
      • While the milk mixture is cooling, weigh the flour and transfer it to the stand mixer.
      • Use your measuring spoon or your spice spoon to add the appropriate amount of nigella seeds, turmeric, and yeast for making this easter bread. Turn the mixer on low. Use the dough hook attachment to combine the ingredients. Turn off the mixer when finished.
      • Crack 2 eggs into the pan of cooled ingredients. Wash your hands. Measure the vanilla with a measuring spoon and add to the pan. Use a spoon or whisk to combine.
      • Add the egg mixture and water to the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer on medium-low to knead. The dough should be smooth and elastic when finished. If the dough is stiff, Reem suggests adding 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the dough is elastic. Turn off the mixer.
      • Add a small amount of oil to a clean bowl and swirl it around before adding the easter bread dough. You can turn the dough around in the bowl to cover it with the oil. Cover it with a tea towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm spot. The dough is ready when it's doubled in size, around 1 hour.
      • Braid your dough in the baking slab or baking sheet you're going to bake it in. You can use parchment paper for a baking sheet. Cover with a damp tea towel. Let it rest for 1 hour.
      • Turn the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Crack the remaining egg into a bowl and whisk. Use a basting brush to apply the egg wash to the entire loaf. Sprinkle more nigella seeds on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes. The easter bread will be dark golden brown and hollow when it's tapped. Turn off the oven when finished and let the loaf cool for about 30 minutes.

      Notes

      • The same amount of sugar or other sweeteners can be substituted for stevia
      • Can be covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for 1 month
      • Never leave cooking food unattended
      • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
      • See more guidelines at USDA.gov
      • Full Lesson Info and Pictures at:  https://happyhomeschooladventures.com/easter-bread

      Nutrition

      Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 219mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 267IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 3mg

      Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Kristin from Happy Homeschool Adventures

      Hi, I'm Kristin!

      I'm a Montessori homeschooler of 4 living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I'm a nature lover and environmental minimalist sharing my experience in guiding kids from the back of the boat.

      More About Me ➜

      Our Land Acknowledgement

      We reside on the ancestral lands of the Kalapuya and Luckiamute Tribes as well as the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.  The land was ceded in the Ratified Indian Treaty #282 on January 22, 1855.  The languages of the Indigenous peoples of this area are Kalapuya and Chinuk Wawa.


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