Bulgarian-style bread

Bulgarian-style bread - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

History and tradition of bread

Bread is undoubtedly one of mankind's oldest and most essential foods. Whether homemade or store-bought, each culture has its own recipe and method of preparation. Bulgarian-style bread is distinguished by its soft texture and rich flavor, often accompanied by cheeses and fresh butter. This recipe is a real treat and a wonderful way to bring a touch of tradition and warmth into your home.

Ingredients needed

- 350 g cake flour (with baking powder in it) or 350 g bread flour + 1 baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 200 g butter at room temperature
- 1 egg
- 150 g plain yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamier texture)
- 80 g grated yellow cheese
- 80 g grated 5% Bulgarian cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- To grease the bread:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 beaten egg
- 2 tablespoons ash or poppy or sesame

Useful ingredient tips

Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, to get a smooth batter. If you don't have Bulgarian cheese, you can use feta or mozzarella, but the flavor will vary. Cake flour gives a smoother texture, but bread flour is higher in gluten, which will help the bread rise.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Prepare a cheesecake tray by greasing it with a tablespoon of oil and lining it with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. In a food processor, add the flour, egg, yogurt, olive oil, butter, yellow cheese, Bulgarian cheese, salt and freshly ground pepper. Use the pulse function to mix the ingredients. If you prefer to make the dough by hand, in a large bowl, rub the flour with the butter and olive oil until smooth. Gradually add the remaining ingredients, mixing well until a dough forms.

3. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Use your hands to shape it into the pan, making sure it is evenly distributed.

4. Brush the surface of the dough with beaten egg, then sprinkle the top with ashes or poppy seeds/ mustard seeds, as preferred. This detail not only adds a touch of aesthetics but also a crunchy taste.

5. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick - if it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked.

6. After taking the loaf out of the oven, allow the bread to cool slightly before removing it from the tray. This step is important to allow it to stabilize and not break.

Serving and suggestions

This wonderful bread goes great with fresh butter, cheese or even sweet jams. It can be served warm or cold as a delicious weekend snack. If you want to enjoy a personalized version, you can add herbs or olives to the dough for added flavor.

Possible variations

If you're not a fan of Bulgarian cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or goat's cheese. You can also replace some of the flour with wholemeal flour for a healthier option.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a richer taste and more fiber. However, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

2. How can I store bread?
Bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

3. What other recipes can I try?
If you like this bread recipe, I recommend you also try the focaccia recipe with sundried tomatoes or brioche buns for the perfect brunch.

Nutritional benefits

This bread is high in protein thanks to the cheeses and yogurt, while also having a decent amount of healthy fats from butter and olive oil. The flour used provides essential carbohydrates for energy, and the addition of the cheeses gives you calcium and other vitamins your body needs.

Conclusion

All in all, this Bulgarian-style bread recipe is not only easy to make, but also extremely versatile. Whether you choose to serve it as it is, with butter or cheese, or adapt it to your own preferences, you're sure to get a delicious result. Try it and indulge in its mouth-watering flavors!