Shirmal Bread Recipe (Persian Sweet Milk Bread)

A soft, slightly sweet Persian bread enriched with eggs, milk, and butter. Perfect for breakfast or served with tea.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 100–120g sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 eggs
• 30g powdered milk
• 10g active dry yeast
• 50g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 250–300ml warm milk (added gradually)
• 3g salt
• 3g vanilla (powder or extract)
• 1 egg for egg wash (optional: mix with 1 tbsp milk)
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or saffron water

🥣 Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and vanilla.

2. Add Wet Ingredients:

Crack in the two eggs and add half of the warm milk. Mix gently to begin forming a dough.

3. Incorporate Salt and Milk:

Sprinkle in the salt, then gradually in the remaining milk until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

4. Add Butter and Knead:

Add the softened butter and knead the dough for about 10–15 minutes until fully absorbed. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test.

5. First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

     6. Shape the Dough (Braided Style):

After the dough has risen, divide it into 70g portions.
Roll each portion into a long rope. Take three ropes and braid them together like a plait.
Place each braided dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them evenly.

     7. Second Rise:

Cover the shaped braids loosely with a towel or plastic wrap for 30–45 minutes visibly puffed.

     8. Egg Wash & Toppings (Optional):

Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of milk and gently brush over the tops of the dough.
Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or brush with saffron water for aroma and color.

     9. Bake:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the breads for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.

    10. Cool & Serve:

Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with tea, butter, jam, or cheese.