Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience, especially when the result is a warm, crusty loaf that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe, taught by a gracious hostess from Turkey, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a loaf of bread that rivals anything you’d find in a bakery. The addition of sunflower or pumpkin seeds adds a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness, making this bread not only delicious but also nutritious. Let’s dive into the detailed process of making this Turkish-inspired bread that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Simplest Bread:
- Warm Water: 1.5 cups (360ml)
- Dry Yeast: 5g (1 1/2 tsp)
- Sugar: 1 tbsp (12g)
- Salt: 1 tsp (5g)
- Wheat Flour: 2.5 cups (300g)
- Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin Seeds: 1.8 oz (50g)
- Olive Oil: As needed
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Calories per Serving: 180 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mixing the Dough
Activating the Yeast
- Begin by preparing the yeast mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups (360ml) of warm water with 5g (1 1/2 tsp) of dry yeast and 1 tablespoon (12g) of sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar in the water.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic on the dough.
Incorporating the Flour
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add in 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt. The salt adds flavor to the bread and helps control the yeast activity, ensuring a balanced rise.
- Gradually add the 2.5 cups (300g) of wheat flour to the bowl. Start by adding half of the flour and mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands. Once the first batch of flour is well incorporated, add the remaining flour and continue mixing until a smooth and sticky dough forms.
- The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky to the touch. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can make the bread dense.
Adding the Seeds
- Now, it’s time to add some texture and flavor to the dough. Gently fold in 1.8 oz (50g) of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds not only add a delightful crunch to the bread but also provide a boost of healthy fats and nutrients.
- Mix the seeds into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout.
2. Shaping and Proofing
Greasing the Baking Dish
- Lightly grease a baking dish or loaf pan with olive oil. This will prevent the dough from sticking and help create a beautiful golden crust on the bread.
- Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with your hands. The dough should fill the dish comfortably, but not overflow.
Proofing the Dough
- Drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the dough to prevent it from sticking to the cling film during proofing.
- Cover the dish with cling film and place it in a warm, draft-free area of your kitchen. Let the dough rest and rise for about 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will puff up and almost double in size.
- Proofing is a crucial step in bread making, as it allows the dough to develop its structure and flavor.
3. Baking
Preheating the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). A hot oven is essential for getting a good rise and a crispy crust on the bread.
- Once the dough has risen, remove the cling film and sprinkle some extra sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Baking the Bread
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 230°C (450°F). This initial high temperature helps the bread rise quickly and develop a golden crust.
- After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 190°C (370°F) and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes. The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you prefer a darker crust, you can leave the bread in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, but be careful not to overbake it.
4. The Aroma of Success
- As the bread bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. There’s truly nothing quite like it!
- Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the baking dish. After 5-10 minutes, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking bread, the possibilities are endless! This Turkish-inspired loaf is perfect served warm with a smear of butter, a dollop of jam, or alongside your favorite soup or salad.
- For a savory twist, try topping the bread with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt or fresh herbs before serving. The bread’s soft interior and crispy crust make it the perfect companion to a variety of dishes.
- You can also get creative by adding different toppings or mix-ins to the dough, such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or various herbs and spices.
Health Benefits of Homemade Bread
Baking your own bread at home not only allows you to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients but also lets you enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought varieties. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients without any preservatives or additives, making it a great choice for those who prioritize clean eating. The addition of sunflower or pumpkin seeds adds a dose of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making this bread both delicious and nutritious.
Variations
- Seed Mix: Experiment with different types of seeds or a combination of seeds like flaxseeds, chia seeds, or sesame seeds to vary the flavor and texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a heartier, more rustic loaf, substitute some or all of the wheat flour with whole wheat flour. This will give the bread a denser texture and a nuttier flavor.
- Herbed Bread: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for an aromatic and flavorful twist.
Tips for Success
- Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly.
- Kneading: If the dough is too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands to make it easier to handle, but try not to add too much flour as it can make the bread dense.
- Resting Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment to ensure a good rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on to create a warm environment.
Conclusion
This Simplest Bread recipe, inspired by traditional Turkish baking, is a wonderful way to bring the warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread into your home. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The result is a soft, flavorful loaf with a deliciously crunchy crust that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it with savory or sweet accompaniments, this bread is the perfect addition to any meal. Happy baking!
