Rustic bread with potatoes

Rustic Potato Bread

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

I invite you to discover this simple and delicious rustic potato bread recipe, a perfect dish for any meal. This soft and flavorful bread is ideal to be served alongside soups, stews, or even as a base for sandwiches. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step and achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour (you can use a combination with whole wheat flour for a more pronounced taste)
- 250 g potatoes (about 2-3 medium potatoes)
- 10 g fresh yeast or 5 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for a richer texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus 2 tablespoons for boiling the potatoes)
- 300 ml warm water (about 40-45 degrees Celsius)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, boil them with the skin in a large pot of water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Boil for 20-25 minutes or until soft. Check with a fork – if it goes in easily, they are done.

2. Preparing the dough: Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 100 ml of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an indication that the yeast is active.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mash the boiled potatoes and add them to the bowl with flour. You can use a puree or simply mash them with a fork to achieve small pieces. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then start gradually incorporating the remaining warm water. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough begins to form.

4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled surface and knead for 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and smooth. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen, gently fold it to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval form, depending on your preference. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rise: Cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. You can make a few light cuts on the surface of the bread to give it a rustic appearance. Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes or until golden and, if you tap the bottom, it sounds hollow.

9. Cooling: After the bread is baked, let it cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This step is important to avoid a wet texture.

Serving suggestion: This rustic potato bread is delicious served warm, alongside butter or olive oil. You can pair it with various cheeses, olives, or fresh vegetables for a perfect snack.

Possible variations: You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with roasted garlic or grated cheddar cheese for a more intense taste.

Enjoy this rustic potato bread recipe that combines tradition with a savory taste, perfect for any occasion!