These treats are animal product-free to adhere to Lent, which essentially makes them vegan. The breads are only slightly sweet, often stuffed with raisins or walnuts, and spiced with cinnamon and clove. Whole cloves are also used to create eyes, and when these breads are finally baked, they fill the air with the warm aroma of love and care.

Makes about 11 small breads
 
For the dough
500 g all-purpose flour
1 packet dry yeast (8 g)
4 tbsp water
200-220 ml lukewarm water
100 g + 1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1/4 tsp salt
40 ml olive oil

For the stuffing
100 g raisins
70 g ground walnuts
1 tablespoon Metaxa or brandy
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
Zest from one orange
1 tbsp sugar

Whole cloves for decoration

In a small bowl, mix the raisins with the brandy to soften and set aside.

In another small bowl, mix the dry yeast with warm water and 1 tsp of the sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Pour about 250 ml of water into a saucepan, add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves, and bring it to a slow simmer.

Gently boil for about 5 minutes, remove from heat, and let it cool to room temperature. Strain it.

In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix in the remaining sugar and salt.

Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil.

Slowly add about 200-220 ml of the reserved lukewarm spiced water.

Mix and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.

Step One

Divide the dough into small balls, about 80 g each. Cut a small piece of dough out of each ball and roll it into a thin string shape. Flatten each ball into an oblong disk and place the filling in the center as shown in photos. Fold and seal the dough around the filling, shaping it into a small oblong roll.

Step Two

Wrap the roll with the dough string as in photos, to resemble Lazarus wrapped in burial cloth. Repeat the same process with the remaining dough. Use whole cloves for the eyes. Place the Lazarakia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step Three

Preheat the oven to 160-170°C fan-assisted (350°F). Bake the Lazarakia for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow the rolls to cool and enjoy them plain, drizzled with honey or lightly sprinkled with some powdered sugar.