Bread with ham

Ham bread – a simple and delicious recipe for a hearty breakfast or a perfect snack. This recipe combines the pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread with the flavor of ham, resulting in an irresistible combination. The total preparation time is about 2 hours, and this recipe yields 8 servings.

Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650)
- 25 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 200 g ham (preferably smoked, diced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for a richer taste, you can use extra virgin olive oil)

Instructions:

1. Start by activating the yeast, an essential step for achieving fluffy bread. In a small bowl, combine 25 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast) with 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of flour, and 50 ml of lukewarm water. Mix well and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. If using dry yeast, make sure to check that it is active.

2. In a large bowl, sift 500 g of flour and add salt and dried thyme. The salt will help enhance the flavors, and the thyme will provide a Mediterranean taste, perfect for the ham. Add the yeast mixture and 300 ml of lukewarm water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until a dough forms.

3. When the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is the crucial step for developing the gluten, which will give the bread a fluffy texture.

4. After kneading the dough, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a work surface and add the diced ham. Fold the dough to evenly incorporate the ham. This addition not only provides a delicious taste but also an interesting texture.

6. Shape the dough into the desired form (it can be a loaf or a roll). Place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with oil. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Preheat the oven to 220°C. After the dough has risen again, you can brush it with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

8. After baking, let the bread cool on a wire rack. This will allow steam to escape, keeping it fluffy.

Serving: Ham bread is perfect served warm, alongside aged cheese or a fresh salad. You can slice it and serve it with butter, or use it for delicious sandwiches.

Possible variations: You can experiment with other ingredients, such as olives, feta cheese, or even fresh herbs, to give your recipe a twist. You can also add spices like garlic or basil to enhance the flavor.

This ham bread recipe is not only simple but also a true culinary delight that will bring joy to any meal. Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and the delicious result!