Bread with beer and seeds

Beer and Seed Bread Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Dosing time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 60 minutes
Number of servings: 10 slices

Beer and seed bread is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation in the kitchen. It is a simple but full of flavor, ideal for breakfast, snacks or even to accompany more elaborate meals. The origins of this bread are deeply rooted in history, based on a combination of simple ingredients and baking techniques handed down from generation to generation. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds, but will also give you a sense of accomplishment when you enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Ingredients:

- 640 g white flour
- 150 g organic bran
- 400 ml room temperature beer
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 30 g fresh yeast
- A few tablespoons lukewarm water
- 1 handful of seeds of your choice (sunflower, flax, poppy, sesame)

Preparation steps:

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, rub yeast with 1 tablespoon honey. Add 1-2 tablespoons of lu lukewarm water and 1-2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well until smooth. Cover the bowl with a towel and leave in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes, until the yeast has doubled in volume.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, sift the white flour and mix with the bran. Add salt, remaining honey and room temperature beer. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl and add the olive oil. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until the dough begins to take shape. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of lu lukewarm water to get the right consistency.

3. Knead: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until elastic and smooth. This process is essential for gluten development, which will give the bread an airy texture and good structure.

4. Rising the dough: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a serviette and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in volume.

5. Adding the seeds: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the seeds on top and stir gently to incorporate. Seeds not only add extra flavor, but also nutritional benefits, providing fiber and healthy fatty acids.

6. Forming the bread: Grease a loaf pan (dimensions: 35 cm long, 15 cm wide, 9 cm high) with a little oil. Transfer the dough to the loaf pan and sprinkle some seeds on top for an attractive look. Let it rise again, uncovered, for about 20 minutes.

7. Preheating the oven: At this point, preheat the oven to 220°C. It's important to have the oven well heated to get a crispy crust.

8. Baking the bread: Once the dough has risen, place the loaf tray in the oven. Place a cup of water in the pan underneath to create steam, which will help create a nice crust. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and leave in the oven for a further 10 minutes until golden brown.

9. Cooling: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step will prevent condensation and keep the crust crisp.

Serving tip: Beer and seed bread is delicious served warm, spread with salted butter. Pair it with a slice of ripened cheese or fruit jam for a savory breakfast. It's also perfect on sandwiches or to accompany soups and salads.

Nutritional benefits: This bread is high in fiber, thanks to the bran, and provides a healthy intake of protein and minerals. The beer used not only improves the flavor but also the texture of the bread.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of beer (e.g. brown or lager) to get a variety of flavors. You can also add olives, nuts or herbs to the dough for an even more interesting taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What type of beer is best for this recipe?
You can use any type of beer, but lagers are best for a more delicate taste, while darker beers provide a richer flavor.

2. Can I replace fresh yeast with dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast in a proportion of about 10 g, making sure to activate it according to the instructions on the packaging.

3. How can I keep fresh bread longer?
Bread is best kept in a cloth bag or bread box. Avoid keeping it in the fridge as it will dry out more quickly.

Beer and seed bread is not only delicious, it's also a rewarding experience. Prepare it with love and enjoy every slice!