Bread with nuts
Nut Bread – A Warm and Aromatic Delicacy
Who doesn't love the enticing smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house? Today, I invite you to discover a simple and delicious nut bread recipe, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only a great way to pamper your family but also an opportunity to showcase your culinary skills. Nut bread is soft, fluffy, and has a crunchy texture due to its golden crust. The combination of nuts adds a unique flavor and unmistakable aroma.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 2 small loaves
Necessary ingredients:
- 450 grams of flour (ideally bio type 80)
- 150 grams of whole wheat flour
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 ml water
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 50 grams of fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons crushed walnut kernels
A bit of history:
Bread is a staple food in many cultures around the world. Its history spans thousands of years, and each community has developed its own variations. Nuts have been added to bread recipes for centuries, not only for their delicious taste but also for the nutritional benefits they offer. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins, making them an excellent ingredient in daily nutrition.
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by warming the milk and water, ensuring they are lukewarm but not hot. Add the fresh yeast and honey, stirring gently until the yeast is completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam – this is a sign that the yeast is active.
2. In a large bowl, combine the bio type 80 flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed.
3. Add the milk and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Begin to mix with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms. Then, add the melted butter and continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If using a kneading machine, set it to the kneading program.
Rising:
4. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This is a crucial step, as the fermentation of the yeast will make the bread fluffy.
Shaping and second rising:
5. Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each piece into a loaf. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover the loaves again with a cloth and let them rise for 45 minutes. During this stage, you can prepare your oven by preheating it to 230 degrees Celsius.
Rising and baking:
7. When the loaves have risen, make shallow cuts on top with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush them with milk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.
8. Sprinkle the crushed walnut kernels on top and place the tray in the oven. A trick I use is to place a tray of water on the shelf below the oven to create steam, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
9. Bake the loaves for 30 minutes or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Serving:
10. Let the loaves cool on a rack to prevent condensation. Then, slice them and enjoy warm, alongside butter or fresh cheese. Nut bread is perfect for serving at breakfast, lunch, or as an appetizer.
Suggestions and variations:
- You can add a handful of raisins or dried fruits to the dough for a sweet touch.
- If you want a more intense flavor, try adding cinnamon or vanilla to the dough.
- Nut bread pairs excellently with fruit jams, honey, or even a cup of hot tea.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 15-20 grams.
2. How can I keep the bread longer?
Bread keeps best in a cloth bag or a bread box at room temperature. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this can lead to drying out.
3. Is this recipe vegan?
No, as it contains milk and butter. You can replace these ingredients with plant-based alternatives to make it vegan.
Nut bread is not just a simple recipe, but also an experience full of flavor and tradition. So, let's enjoy this delicacy together, share beautiful moments around the table, and let ourselves be inspired by the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For 2 small rolls, I used 450 grams of flour (I used organic type 80), 150 grams of whole wheat flour, 250 ml of warm milk, 100 ml of water, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 50 grams of fresh yeast, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons of crushed walnut.
