Braided bread a la Mala with potatoes and olive oil

Name: Braided bread a la Mala with potatoes and olive oil - Iridenta H.
Ingredients: 750 g flour; 1 cube of fresh beer yeast; 3 potatoes; 50 ml olive oil; salt; 1 teaspoon sugar

Pasta/Pizza - Braided bread a la Mala with potatoes and olive oil by Iridenta H. - Recipia

Recipe for Braided Bread with Potatoes and Olive Oil Total preparation time: 2 hours Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 1 hour Number of servings: 12 I have always considered bread a sacred gift on our tables. This recipe for braided bread with potatoes and olive oil is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to add moisture and softness. The potatoes contribute to the fluffy texture, while the olive oil adds a rich flavor. Let's discover together how to prepare this special bread! Ingredients: - 750 g of sifted white flour - 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g) - 3 medium potatoes (approximately 300 g) - 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1 teaspoon of sugar - Warm water (approximately 200 ml, adjust as needed) - Seeds for decoration (optional: sesame, poppy, cumin) Brief History Braided bread is a culinary tradition found in many cultures, symbolizing unity and community. This simple yet characterful recipe pays tribute to the preservation of culinary traditions. Whether served at a family lunch, a festive meal, or simply every day, this bread is a symbol of comfort and goodness. Preparation Steps 1. Preparing the Flour Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Sifted flour is essential for achieving fluffy bread. Create a well in the center of the flour, then add the salt and sugar. 2. Activating the Yeast In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 100 ml of warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot; otherwise, the yeast will be destroyed. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, a sign that the yeast is active. 3. Preparing the Potatoes Boil the potatoes with their skins until soft. Once they have cooled slightly, peel them and grate or mash them. Add them to the well of flour. 4. Mixing the Ingredients Add the activated yeast and olive oil (reserve a tablespoon of oil for greasing) over the grated potatoes. Start mixing the ingredients, gradually adding warm water until you obtain a workable dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but come away from your hands. 5. Kneading the Dough Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. A trick to check if the dough is well-kneaded: if it comes away from your hands and has a smooth texture, it is ready. 6. First Rising Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. 7. Shaping the Bread Once the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. Shape them into rolls and braid them. This step is not only essential for the appearance of the bread but also allows air to circulate, contributing to a better texture. 8. Second Rising Grease a baking tray with olive oil and place the braided bread in it. Let it rise for another 15 minutes, covered with a towel. This step will help achieve a fluffy texture. 9. Baking Preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush the bread with the remaining oil and, optionally, sprinkle sesame or cumin seeds on top for added flavor. Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes or until golden. You can check if it is baked by tapping the bottom of the bread; a hollow sound indicates that it is done. 10. Cooling and Storing After removing the bread from the oven, lightly moisten the surface with water, then cover it with a clean towel. This will help retain moisture. Once cooled, store the bread in a cloth bag or a paper bag to keep it fresh longer. Serving Suggestions and Variations This braided potato bread pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. You can serve it alongside a warm soup, a tomato sauce, or even with fresh cheese and olives. For a more sophisticated variant, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough, or you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a more complex taste and increased nutritional value. Nutritional Information (per serving) - Calories: approximately 180 kcal - Protein: 4 g - Fat: 3 g - Carbohydrates: 32 g - Fiber: 2 g Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why is it important to use warm water? Warm water helps activate the yeast, thus facilitating the rising of the dough. 2. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Make sure to mix it directly with the flour. 3. How can I tell if the bread is baked? Tap the bottom of the bread lightly; a hollow sound indicates that it is baked. Also, the crust should be golden. 4. How can I keep the bread fresh longer? Store the bread in a cloth bag or a paper bag, avoiding plastic, which can make the bread soft. Conclusion This recipe for braided bread with potatoes and olive oil is not only a delicious dish but also a way to bring a bit of tradition to your table. I hope you enjoyed this culinary journey and that you will try to prepare it at home. Enjoy your meal!

Braided bread a la Mala with potatoes and olive oil

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