Sunflower, Bulgarian Bread

Bulgarian Sunflower Bread: A Homemade Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 1 hour 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 slices

In search of a delicious and easy-to-make bread recipe, Bulgarian sunflower bread is the perfect choice. This recipe offers a fluffy texture, rich flavor, and a unique aroma, thanks to the crunchy seeds. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this bread will quickly become your favorite.

Ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650)
- 10 g salt
- 10 g sugar
- 7 g dry yeast or 25 g fresh yeast
- 300 ml warm water (about 37°C)
- 100 g sunflower seeds (lightly roasted for intense flavor)
- 30 ml olive oil or sunflower oil

Step 1: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well to combine evenly. If using fresh yeast, dissolve it in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If using dry yeast, you can add it directly to the flour mixture.

Step 2: Forming the dough

Proceed to prepare the dough: pour the warm water and oil into the bowl with flour. Start mixing with a wooden spoon, then continue with your hands to knead. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 3: Proofing the dough

Once you have a homogeneous dough, shape it into a ball and place it in a clean bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Adding the seeds

After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Gently push the dough to release the air, then add the sunflower seeds. Knead a little to incorporate them evenly. You can save some seeds to sprinkle on top of the bread before baking.

Step 5: Shaping the bread

Shape the dough into your desired form: either a round loaf or a baguette. Place the dough in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Baking

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Before putting the bread in the oven, you can make a few shallow cuts on its surface with a sharp knife for an attractive look. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cooling and serving

After the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. It is important not to cut it immediately, as the inside needs a little time to set.

Serving suggestion: This bread is delicious served warm, spread with butter or alongside cheese, cold cuts, or fresh vegetables. You can also add herbs to the dough, such as dill or rosemary, for an even more intense flavor.

Seasonal variation: In the cold season, you can add some nuts or raisins to the dough for a richer taste and interesting texture.

This Bulgarian sunflower bread recipe is not just a quick treat but also a healthy choice, full of nutrients. Experiment and enjoy the aroma and taste of this delicious homemade bread!

 Ingredients: 500g flour, 200ml milk, 20g fresh yeast (I diluted the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and 50ml of warm milk), 1 tablespoon soft butter, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 eggs, 15g melted butter for greasing, 1 tablespoon lemon juice.