Little Flower with Sesame

Sesame flower - a delicious and spectacular bread recipe that will bring a touch of joy and warmth to every meal. This bread is not just a simple snack; it is an experience that combines flavors, texture, and visual appeal, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you serve it alongside a warm soup or use it as a base for a sandwich, the sesame flower will prove to be an inspired choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
- 200 ml warm milk
- 120 ml warm water
- 2 eggs (one for the dough, one for brushing)
- 500 g wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

Recipe history:
The sesame flower has its roots in baking traditions from different corners of the world, where bread has always been a symbol of community and hospitality. Its unique shape, reminiscent of a flower, is not only aesthetic but also functional, allowing the dough to be airy and well-baked. This recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of creativity to your kitchen.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine in a specific order to achieve the best result. First, put in the warm milk, warm water, egg, salt, sugar, and dry yeast. Then, gradually add the flour. It is important that the ingredients are at room temperature to properly activate the yeast.

2. Mixing:
Select the dough program on the bread machine. It will knead the dough for about 15-20 minutes, which is ideal for achieving an elastic and fluffy texture. If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough manually for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Rising the dough:
Once the dough is ready, remove it from the bowl and place it in a clean bowl. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until it doubles in size. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and airy bread.

4. Shaping the flower:
After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured work surface. Divide it into 11 relatively equal-sized balls. Shape each ball into a round shape.

5. Assembling:
In a round baking pan lined with parchment paper, place a first row of balls around the edge of the pan, leaving spaces between them. Place one ball in the center. From one ball, form two rolls, which you join at one end and braid to create a string. Place this string between the edge balls and the center one.

6. Second rise:
Cover again with a kitchen towel and let rise for about 30-45 minutes, until the balls join together.

7. Brushing and baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Beat an egg and carefully brush the flower. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a crunchy and aromatic appearance. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is nicely browned and sounds hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom.

8. Cooling:
After baking, let the flower cool on a wire rack. This step is important to prevent moisture from forming at the base of the bread.

Serving suggestions:
The sesame flower is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a creamy vegetable soup or a fresh salad. It also pairs perfectly with various fillings, such as feta cheese or a mix of grilled vegetables.

Possible variations:
For added flavor, you can add dried herbs, such as oregano or rosemary, to the dough. Also, instead of sesame, you can use poppy seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different look and flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
The sesame flower is a good source of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to the sesame seeds. It can be an excellent choice for an energizing breakfast or a filling snack.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of water.
2. What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise? Make sure the yeast is active. You can check this by adding it to warm water with sugar; if it bubbles, it’s good to use.
3. How do I keep the flower fresh? Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

The sesame flower is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy cooking and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Each step in the preparation is an invitation to express yourself and create something truly special. So, put on your chef's clothes and let’s enjoy together a delicacy that will turn any meal into a celebration!