Brioche Braid with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips
17/11/2023The brioche braid with ricotta and chocolate chips is a soft and indulgent pastry, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- 500 g of manitoba flour
- 200 g of fresh ricotta
- 100 g of sugar
- 100 g of soft butter
- 130 ml of warm milk
- 1 packet of dry brewer’s yeast (about 7g) or 15 g of fresh brewer’s yeast
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g of chocolate chips
- Grated zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional)
- 1 egg yolk and milk for glazing
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)
Preparation
- In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar, leaving it to rest for a few minutes until it starts to froth.
- In another larger bowl, mix the flour with the sugar and, optionally, the grated zest of orange or lemon.
- Add to the flour mixture the eggs, the yeast and milk mixture, and begin to knead. Add the soft butter in pieces and the pinch of salt. Work the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place away from drafts for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
- Subsequently, take the dough, deflate it gently, and add the fresh ricotta and chocolate chips. Mix well.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts and form three long strands. Braid them together to form a braid and close the ends well.
- Place the braid on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
- Brush the surface of the brioche with a mix of egg yolk and a bit of milk to achieve a nice golden color during baking.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cooking times may vary depending on the oven, so keep an eye on the braid as it bakes.
- Remove the braid from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
- If you wish, before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Curiosity
Brioche is a very versatile leavened pastry of French origin. Ricotta adds a delicate flavor and makes the texture even softer, while chocolate chips are a classic treat. This braid can be a great idea for a brunch or to celebrate special occasions with a touch of elegance.