Bread

Homemade Sesame Bread - a classic and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 4 baguettes

Homemade bread is a symbol of comfort and tradition in many cultures. Its warm aroma that spreads through the house makes everyone feel welcome. In this recipe, we will learn how to make a simple yet extraordinarily tasty homemade bread with a crispy sesame topping. This recipe is perfect to accompany a family meal or to be enjoyed alongside a warm soup. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour 650 (bread flour)
- 40 g of fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 550 ml of lukewarm water (about 40°C)
- 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

Necessary utensils:

- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking tray
- Baking paper (optional)
- Kitchen towels

Step by step:

1. Preparing the yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with the tablespoon of sugar. Then add the lukewarm water and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring that the bread will rise properly.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt. Sifting the flour helps aerate it, contributing to a fluffier texture of the bread.

3. Forming the dough:
Make a well in the center of the flour and add the activated yeast mixture. Start mixing the flour with the water using a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue mixing until all the flour is incorporated and you obtain a non-sticky dough.

4. Adding the oil:
Add the 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Kneading is important for gluten development, which will give the bread an elastic and fluffy texture.

5. Rising the dough:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the bread:
After the dough has risen, remove it onto a floured work surface. Gently knead it to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into four equal parts.

7. Forming the baguettes:
Take each piece of dough and shape it into a long baguette. Take two baguettes and overlap one on top of the other, repeating with the other two. Then, overlap the two groups of baguettes. This arrangement will create an interesting texture, and the bread will have a rustic appearance.

8. Second rising:
Let the bread rise again, covered, for 30 minutes. This step will ensure a fluffy and well-aerated bread.

9. Preparing for baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Before placing the bread in the oven, brush it with the beaten egg using a kitchen brush and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a crispy and aromatic appearance.

10. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and adjust the temperature to 180°C. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

11. Cooling:
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This will allow steam to escape, keeping the crust crispy.

Serving suggestions:
This homemade sesame bread is delicious served warm, alongside butter or flavored olive oil. You can use it to accompany soups, stews, or to make tasty sandwiches. I recommend enjoying it with a cup of tea or coffee during a moment of relaxation.

Possible variations:
To give the recipe a twist, you can add herbs (such as rosemary or oregano) to the dough, or experiment with sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of sesame. The bread can also be made into rolls or small buns, perfect for an appetizer meal.

Nutritional information:
This homemade bread is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from sunflower oil. A serving (about 100 g) contains around 250 calories, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet, especially when consumed with healthy ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 14 g of dry yeast. Mix it with the flour and continue with the recipe as usual.

2. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
The bread is ready when it has a golden color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

3. What can I do with leftover bread?
The bread can be used to make croutons, breadcrumbs, or can be frozen for later consumption.

So, don’t wait any longer! Get into the kitchen, put on a smile, and make this delicious homemade sesame bread. Enjoy the process and the final result!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of flour 650 40 g of fresh yeast 1 tablespoon of sugar 550 ml of lukewarm water 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil 1 teaspoon of salt 1 beaten egg for brushing sesame

 Tags:  bread homemade bread bread dough