Bread with sunflower seeds
Sunflower Seed Bread
Do you want to bring the fresh aroma of homemade bread into your kitchen? This sunflower seed bread recipe is simple, quick, and delicious! With a fluffy texture and a golden crust, this bread will surely become your family's favorite. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or alongside a warm soup, this recipe will turn every meal into a celebration.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 650 for a fluffy texture)
- 150 ml lukewarm water
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 2 teaspoons salt (heaped)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- A handful of shelled sunflower seeds (for the dough and for decoration)
Preparation steps:
1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour and contribute to a fluffier bread. Add the dry yeast and mix well.
2. Creating the well: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture where you will add the wet ingredients. This is a traditional technique that helps distribute the yeast evenly.
3. Adding the liquid ingredients: In the well you created, add the oil, lukewarm milk, and lukewarm water. It is important that the liquids are lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.
4. Adding salt and sugar: Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the liquids. The sugar will help feed the yeast, while the salt will add flavor.
5. Mixing the ingredients: Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until a dough forms. It is normal for it to be sticky at first.
6. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
7. First rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in size. An excellent method is to place the bowl in the turned-off but warm oven.
8. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently knead it to release the air. Shape it as desired, whether you prefer a round loaf or an elongated one.
9. Adding the seeds: Brush the dough with milk and roll it in a layer of sunflower seeds to give it an attractive appearance and add extra crunch.
10. Second rise: Place the dough in a baking tray lined with butter and flour. Make shallow cuts on top with a cutter in several places to allow steam to escape during baking. Let it rise again, covered, for 30 minutes.
11. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place a cup of water on the bottom of the oven (this will create steam and help the bread be fluffier). Put the tray with the bread in and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when you tap it lightly.
12. Cooling: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the tray and cover it with a clean, damp towel to prevent a hard crust from forming. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Practical tips:
- Use whole wheat flour to add extra nutrients and fiber.
- You can also add other seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sesame, for a varied flavor.
- If you want a crunchier crust, you can let the bread cool on a rack without covering it.
- Give it a fresh taste by adding dried herbs, such as oregano or rosemary, to the dough.
Nutritional benefits:
This sunflower seed bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, providing energy for the entire day. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health and a strong immune system.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Why is it important to sift the flour?
Sifting the flour helps aerate it, making for a fluffier bread.
2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, but you will need about 25 g of fresh yeast.
3. How do I know when the bread is baked?
The bread is done when the crust is golden, and if you tap it lightly, it should sound hollow.
4. What can I do with leftover bread?
You can use the bread to make croutons, toast, or delicious sandwiches.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this bread warm, with melted butter or fresh cheese and vegetables. It pairs perfectly with a warm soup, a fresh salad, or even a meat dish.
Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add olives, caramelized onions, or aromatic herbs to the dough. These ingredients will give your bread a special touch.
So, I encourage you to venture into this sunflower seed bread recipe! I assure you that every bite will be full of flavor, and the fantastic smell of freshly baked bread will fill the whole house. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 500 g flour, 150 ml water, 150 ml milk, 1 tablespoon oil, 2 teaspoons salt (heaped), 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 packet dry yeast, a handful of sunflower seeds (peeled)
