Aromatic Bread

 Ingredients: 3 cups of bread flour (425 g) 115 ml warm water (more or less as needed) natural sourdough (one 250 ml cup full of sourdough and another half) 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or less if desired) 1 teaspoon of yeast brown sugar as much as you can pinch between two fingers 20-25 ml light olive oil flavored with rosemary

To prepare a delicious sourdough bread, it is essential to carefully follow each step of the recipe. We start by taking the sourdough out of the refrigerator the night before, ensuring it has time to reach room temperature. We mix it with the handle of a wooden spoon to activate all its properties and leave it covered with a thicker towel to keep it warm. This step is crucial as the sourdough needs warmth to develop its flavor and fermentation power.

The next day, we prepare the kitchen to create a suitable environment for kneading the dough. We start by warming up the room a bit, and then we measure and sift the flour, ensuring it is of high quality. We put it in a large bowl and add the salt, mixing well to distribute it evenly. In a small bowl, we combine the dry yeast with the brown sugar, adding about 15 ml of warm water from what is prepared in the recipe. We let the mixture rise for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.

Once the yeast is activated, we return to the sourdough. We take it out of the towel and add it to the center of the flour, creating a small well. Over the sourdough, we put the risen yeast and start mixing with a spoon, trying to incorporate the flour from the edges. As the dough becomes more consistent, we add the rosemary-infused oil (or alternatively, chopped basil or dill, depending on preferences) and the warm water, continuing to mix until we obtain a soft and sticky dough.

We knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and silky. It is normal for it to be slightly moist, but it should not stick to the hands. After kneading, we place it in the original bowl, covering it with plastic wrap and a towel, allowing it to rise in a warm place. After about an hour, the dough should double in volume.

After this first rise, we take the dough out of the bowl and knead it again for a minute to release the accumulated air. Then, we shape the dough into a nice ball and place it in an oiled bowl, covering it again with oiled plastic wrap. We let it rise again until the volume doubles.

When the dough is ready, we preheat the oven to 200°C (or 400°F) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside. This bread can be flavored with basil, dill, or coriander, providing an excellent base for various dishes, such as cheese toast. Enjoy every slice while admiring your cooking talent!

 Tags:  flour oil sugar olives bread lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes recipes for children