Bread with seeds

Homemade Seed Bread - a simple and delicious recipe

Welcome to the fascinating world of homemade baking! Seed bread is a dish that not only fills your kitchen with enticing aromas but also brings you the satisfaction of enjoying freshly baked bread made with your own hands. This recipe is perfect for those who want to experiment with various seeds and customize their bread to their taste. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 slices

Ingredients for a 750 g bread:
- 290 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g white flour
- 300 g whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the dry yeast along with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 100 ml of warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This is an essential technique to ensure that the yeast is active and will help the bread rise.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the white flour and whole wheat flour. Add the salt and the remaining sugar, mixing well to evenly distribute the ingredients. It's good to use quality flour, as it will affect the texture and flavor of the final bread.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Once the yeast has risen, pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour. Add the oil and the remaining water. Mix with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Kneading the dough: Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. A useful trick is to use your palms to push the dough along the surface, then fold it. This technique helps develop gluten and achieve a fluffy texture.

5. First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. You can create a warm environment for rising by placing the bowl in a preheated oven at 50°C for 5 minutes, then turning it off.

Shaping the bread

1. Shaping: Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently knead it to release the air. Divide the dough and shape it into a ball or a loaf, depending on your preferences.

2. Preparing for the second rise: Place the dough in an oiled loaf pan. Cover it again with a damp towel and let it rise for 40 minutes. This is when the dough will prepare to be baked, and the seeds will add not only a pleasant appearance but also a delicious flavor.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. A well-heated oven will help achieve a crispy crust.

2. Finishing: When the dough has risen, wet your hands with warm water and lightly brush the surface of the bread. Sprinkle the sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds on top. They will not only add flavor but also provide an attractive appearance.

3. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 30 minutes. When ready, the bread should be golden, and when you tap the bottom lightly, it should sound hollow. This is an indication that the bread is perfectly baked.

Cooling and serving

1. Cooling: After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is an essential step as it helps maintain the fluffy texture.

2. Serving: The bread can be served warm, but it is also delicious the next day! You can slice it and serve it with butter or fresh cheese. It is perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to a warm soup.

Chef's tip

If you want to experiment with seeds, you can add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or even chopped nuts. However, be careful not to overdo it with the amount, as excessive seeds can hinder the dough's rise.

Nutritional benefits

Seed bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, while pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc and magnesium. Additionally, whole wheat flour provides fiber, essential for healthy digestion. A slice of bread has about 120 calories, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Why is my bread not rising? Make sure the yeast is active before adding it to the dough. Check the expiration date of the yeast and the temperature of the water used.
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flours, but the recipe may require adjustments regarding liquid and rising time.
- How can I keep the bread fresh? The bread keeps best in an airtight container or a cloth bag. You can also freeze it to consume later.

I encourage you to try this seed bread recipe and enjoy the cooking process! Not only will you get delicious bread, but you will also have the opportunity to experiment with various ingredients and techniques. Try serving it with a fresh salad or a yogurt and herb sauce for a perfect meal. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Recipe for a 750g bread: 2 teaspoons of oil, 290 ml of water, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 200g of white flour, 300g of wholemeal flour, 1 teaspoon of dry yeast, 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons of seeds, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.

 Tags:  bread seeds yeast bread with seeds