Bread with nuts, garlic, and basil

Bread with nuts, garlic, and basil – a recipe that combines rich flavors and a soft texture into an unforgettable culinary experience. This homemade bread is perfect for cool autumn evenings, offering not only an unmistakable taste but also a warm and welcoming atmosphere in any home.

The history of bread is filled with traditions and innovations. Over time, each culture has made unique contributions to the art of baking, and ingredient combinations have evolved to reflect local tastes and preferences. Bread with nuts, garlic, and basil is a version that combines simple ingredients with aromatic ones, bringing a touch of sophistication to every slice.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients
- 200 ml milk
- 140 ml warm water
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 600 g flour (ideal for bread)
- 65 g crushed nuts (lightly toasted for an intense flavor)
- 65 g oats
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 and a half teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon walnut oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 teaspoons non-iodized sea salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 and a half packets of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- A little flour for dusting

Step by step for perfect bread

1. Preparing the aromatic liquid
Start by combining the milk, warm water, olive oil, and chopped garlic in a small pot. Place the pot over low heat and warm the mixture, being careful not to boil it. The garlic aroma will gradually be released, enriching the liquid.

2. Preparing the solid ingredients
In a mixing bowl (specially for kneading), sift the flour to aerate its texture. On the edge of the flour, add the salt, and in the center of the flour, place the sugar and yeast. The oats and crushed nuts will be added to the edge of the flour to prevent direct contact with the salt (which could inhibit the yeast's activity).

3. Kneading the dough
Pour the liquid mixture over the flour, making sure to direct it to the edge, thus covering the sugar and yeast. Start kneading with your hands or with a mixer with a hook until all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the walnut oil (if using) and continue kneading until you obtain an elastic and soft dough.

4. First rise
Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface, cover the dough with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the bread
After the dough has risen, gently knead it to release the air bubbles. Shape it into the desired form (it can be a round loaf or a baguette) and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again, this time for 15 minutes.

6. Preparing for baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Before placing the bread in the oven, make a few cuts with a sharp knife on its surface – these will allow the steam to escape and will help with even baking.

7. Baking
Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.

8. Cooling
It is tempting to cut the bread immediately after taking it out of the oven, but wait for it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to avoid a moist and sticky texture inside.

Useful tips
- Ingredients: Use high-quality flour to achieve fluffy bread. Nuts can be lightly toasted before being added to intensify the flavor.
- Vegan option: You can replace the milk with a plant-based alternative, such as almond or soy milk, and the olive oil can be substituted with coconut oil.
- For an even more intense flavor: Add additional dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, or try replacing some of the flour with cornmeal for an interesting texture.

Delicious combinations
This bread with nuts, garlic, and basil pairs wonderfully with creamy cheese or an olive spread, making it a perfect appetizer. It can also be enjoyed alongside warm soups or salads. A bottle of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Frequently asked questions
- Why shouldn't I cut the bread while it's warm?
When the bread is warm, its internal structure is not fully stabilized, which can lead to a moist consistency. Waiting is essential to achieve beautiful slices.
- How can I keep the bread fresh?
Store the bread in a cloth bag or in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid keeping it in the fridge, as this can cause it to dry out quickly.

Enjoy this recipe for bread with nuts, garlic, and basil and turn every meal into a special occasion. Cooking is an art, and every bread you bake is a story you share with your loved ones. So put on your apron and let your creativity guide you in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 200 ml milk 140 ml warm water 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 600 g flour 65 g crushed walnuts 65 g oats 2 cloves of garlic 1 full teaspoon of dried oregano 1 and a half teaspoons of fresh basil 1 tablespoon walnut oil 2 teaspoons of uniodized sea salt 2 teaspoons of sugar 1 and a half packets of dry yeast a little flour for dusting

 Tags:  bread with nuts garlic and basil homemade bread artisan bread