Aromatic braids with seeds

Aromatic Twists with Seeds

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 90 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of flavors and delicious textures! Today, I will share the recipe for Aromatic Twists with Seeds, a perfect choice for breakfast, a healthy snack, or even to impress guests with a warm and crispy appetizer. These twists are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to start your day with energy thanks to the nutritious ingredients.

A Brief History

Twists have long been a symbol of hospitality and abundance. Whether made from simple or flavored dough, these delights have been served on various festive occasions. The use of seeds in pastry is not just a culinary choice but also an ancient tradition that adds nutrition and flavor. Today, we will add a touch of flavor with sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, transforming them into true culinary masterpieces.

Ingredients

- 200 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter (melted)
- 20 g chopped sage leaves (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 500 g whole wheat flour
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Seeds for sprinkling on top: sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds

Necessary Utensils

- Bread machine (or a large bowl and spatula if kneading by hand)
- Baking tray lined with parchment paper
- Kitchen brush
- A knife to cut the dough

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough: Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine in the following order: warm water, sugar, salt, olive oil, melted butter, sage, garlic granules, whole wheat flour, and dry yeast. If you don't have a bread machine, you can do this step in a large bowl by mixing the ingredients with a spatula.

2. Kneading: Set the bread machine to the kneading and rising program. If using the manual method, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Rising: After kneading, cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 90 minutes, or until it doubles in size. You can place it in a cooled oven with the light on to create a warm environment.

4. Shaping the twists: Once the dough has risen, place it on the work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long roll, then braid them two by two to create a beautiful twist. Place them on the baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Second rising: Let the twists rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

6. Brushing: Beat the egg with the milk and, using a brush, carefully brush each twist. This step will not only give a golden and shiny color but will also help the seeds stick to the surface of the dough.

7. Sprinkling the seeds: Sprinkle sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds on top of the twists, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the twists for 45 minutes, or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

9. Cooling: After taking them out of the oven, let them cool on a rack. This step is essential to maintain the crispy texture.

Serving and Suggestions

These aromatic twists with seeds are delicious served warm, straight from the oven. You can accompany them with butter, honey, or a herb cream cheese. They can also be used as a base for savory sandwiches filled with ingredients like avocado, feta cheese, or fresh vegetables.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add various herbs to the dough, such as rosemary or dill. You can also try replacing whole wheat flour with a combination of white flour and rye flour for a different flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with white flour or a combination of flours, but make sure to adjust the amount of water according to the type of flour used.

2. How long do the twists last?
They are best consumed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze the twists?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked twists. Wrap them well and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Benefits

Twists are an excellent source of fiber due to the whole wheat flour, and the seeds add healthy fats and protein. Additionally, sage is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing extra health benefits.

In conclusion, Aromatic Twists with Seeds are not only a delicacy but also a way to enrich your meals with essential nutrients. So, don't hesitate to try this recipe! Enjoy!