Bread with sunflower seeds
Sunflower Seed Bread: a simple and delicious recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes + 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes + 20 minutes for rolls
Total: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices
Who doesn't love the smell of warm bread baking in the oven? Sunflower seed bread is not only a tasty choice but also a healthy one. This recipe is perfect for those who want to blend tradition with a touch of innovation. Sunflower seeds add not only a unique flavor but also a crunchy texture that will make every slice a delight.
A brief history
Bread is a staple food in many cultures, holding deep significance in daily life. Over time, each region has developed its own recipes, adapting the available ingredients. Sunflower seeds have been incorporated into bread recipes due to their nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins and minerals. This simple sunflower seed bread recipe combines tradition with the healthy advantages of natural ingredients.
Necessary ingredients
- 500 g type 650 flour (for better texture)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 350 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (ideal for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (plus 1 tablespoon for decoration)
- For rolls: 3 slices of ham (preferably pork)
Step by step: Making the bread
Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a cup, mix the dry yeast with the sugar and 2 teaspoons of flour. Add 100 ml of lukewarm water and mix well. Let the mixture rise for about 10 minutes. You will notice how the yeast starts to bubble – a sign that it is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sunflower seeds. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the risen yeast. Start kneading, gradually adding the remaining lukewarm water. When the dough becomes homogeneous, add the olive oil and continue kneading until the dough no longer sticks to your hands.
Step 3: Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour and a half in a warm place, away from drafts. The dough should double in volume.
Step 4: Shaping the bread
After the dough has risen, grease your hands with a little oil to handle it more easily. Transfer the dough to a greased board. Tear off 6 pieces the size of a walnut and set them aside for rolls. Shape the remaining dough into a loaf and place it in a greased rectangular pan. Cover again with a towel and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Baking the bread
Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top of the dough and place the pan in the preheated oven at 180-190 degrees Celsius. Bake for about 35 minutes or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Preparing the rolls
Step 6: Shaping the rolls
To prepare the rolls, take the pieces of dough you set aside. Flatten each piece with oiled hands, place half a slice of ham on each, and roll tightly. Place the rolls in a greased ceramic dish and let them rise for 10-15 minutes.
Step 7: Baking the rolls
Put the tray with rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until they are nicely browned on top.
Serving and suggestions
Once the bread and rolls are ready, you can serve them warm alongside a cup of fragrant tea or a delicious soup. Sunflower seed bread is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, while the rolls are ideal as appetizers at a gathering with friends.
Useful tips
1. Flour: If you want a fluffier bread, you can mix type 650 flour with whole wheat flour or another type of fiber-rich flour.
2. Seeds: You can experiment with different types of seeds, such as sesame or pumpkin seeds, to add even more flavor and texture.
3. Olive oil: Using extra virgin olive oil will add an intense flavor. You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a different taste.
Nutritional benefits
Sunflower seed bread is not only tasty but also healthy. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health and reducing inflammation. Whole grain flour provides essential fibers for healthy digestion.
Frequently asked questions
1. How can I keep the bread fresh?
The bread can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. In this case, use about 20 g of fresh yeast and dissolve it in warm water.
3. What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is active. If you haven't followed the correct steps, you can leave the dough in a warmer place for a longer period.
4. Can I add other ingredients?
Of course! You can add olives, herbs, or spices to further customize the recipe.
Now that you've gone through the recipe step by step, you're ready to delight your family and friends with delicious homemade bread. Don't hesitate to share your impressions or experiment with variations of the recipe. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 500 g type 650 flour, 1 packet of dry yeast, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 350 ml warm water, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds + 1 tablespoon on top. For rolls: 3 slices of Black Forest ham.
