Soft bread with sesame

Tender Sesame Bread

One of the most delightful experiences in the kitchen is indulging in freshly baked bread that emanates inviting aromas and offers a sense of comfort. This tender sesame bread recipe is simple yet adds a special touch to your table. Whether you choose to enjoy it plain, with butter, or alongside a warm soup, this bread will surely become your favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 4 hours (approximately)
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:

- 500 g type 00 flour
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons full-fat yogurt
- 50 ml warm milk
- Water (as needed)
- 50 g sesame seeds (some for the dough, some for decoration)

Short history of the recipe

Bread is a staple food in many cultures, symbolizing both life and community. In various culinary traditions, the use of seeds, such as sesame, adds not only flavor but also nutritional benefits. This simple recipe can easily be adapted to include other types of seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, if you wish to experiment with textures and flavors.

Step by Step:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add the sugar. Pour the warm milk over the yeast and stir gently. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until the yeast becomes active and frothy.

2. Preparing the starter: After the yeast has risen, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the yeast mixture and mix well. Cover again and let it rise for another 5 minutes.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the remaining flour and sprinkle the salt on top. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the risen starter. To this mixture, pour in the warm yogurt. Start mixing with a spoon or your hands.

4. Kneading the dough: Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and soft, but not sticky. During kneading, you can add a handful of sesame seeds for extra flavor.

5. First rising: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover with a towel and let it rise for about 3 hours in a warm place. The longer it rises, the fluffier the bread will be.

6. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen significantly, transfer it to a floured work surface. Gently knead it to release the air. Shape it into the desired form (usually an oval or round loaf).

7. Second rising: Place the dough in a lightly greased baking tray. Score the top of the bread halfway with a sharp knife. Moisten the surface with a little olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds and coarse salt on top.

8. Baking: Cover the bread with a towel and let it rise for another hour. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the bread for about 1 hour or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.

9. Finishing: After removing the bread from the oven, lightly moisten the surface with cold water to keep the crust soft. Cover the bread with a cloth to cool slowly.

Practical Tips:

- Flour: Type 00 flour is ideal for bread, but you can experiment with whole wheat or rye flour for a deeper flavor and higher nutritional content.
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, use about 5 g and activate it according to the instructions on the package.
- Yogurt: You can substitute yogurt with sour cream or another dairy product, but yogurt adds extra moisture and a pleasant taste.
- Seeds: Try adding flax seeds, chia seeds, or even ground nuts to diversify the texture and flavor of the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
- How do I know if the dough is well-risen? It should double in volume and feel slightly elastic to the touch.
- What if the bread doesn't rise enough? Make sure the yeast is active. If not, try letting the dough rise in a warmer place.

Serving and Pairings:

This tender sesame bread is perfect served warm, alongside butter or fresh cheese. You can pair it with a vegetable soup or fresh salads. It also goes excellently with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delicious snack for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Conclusion:

Baking bread at home is both an art and a great pleasure. With this tender sesame bread recipe, you will add a personal touch to your table and impress your loved ones with a healthy and tasty baked product. Remember, every loaf of bread baked is a story, and you are the storyteller of this delicious culinary adventure!

 Ingredients: 500 g type 00 flour, 15 g fresh yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 tablespoons full-fat yogurt, 50 ml milk, water as needed, sesame seeds

 Tags:  bread with sesame