In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar and egg together and then add in the salt, lemon zest and vanilla. Knead with your hands until you form a dough.

Add in the milk, melted butter, yeast and 1 cup of warm water. Knead again until the dough is smooth.

Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and place a piece of kitchen cloth on top. Leave in a warm place (sun or next to heater) for at least 2 hours; the more time it is left, the better.

Cut the dough into 3 equal pieces and roll each into a long cylinder. Then form a braid with the 3 cylinders. Let the braided dough rest for an hour in a warm place.

Preheat the oven to low heat from the bottom.

Grease the bottom of a tray with tahini paste.

Brush the surface of the braided dough with some butter and place it in the tray.

Bake for 25 minutes or until medium brown.