Bread with beetroot

Beetroot Bread - A Colorful Delicacy for Your Meals

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10 slices

Discover the magic of colors and flavors with this beetroot bread recipe! This recipe is not just a simple bread, but a true culinary masterpiece that will add a touch of joy and originality to your meals. Beetroot, with its vibrant hue and nutritional benefits, transforms a classic recipe into a dish full of vitality.

Beetroot is a root vegetable rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron and magnesium. Consuming beetroot can support cardiovascular health and enhance physical performance. So, not only will you enjoy a delicious bread, but you'll also add a boost of nutrients to your diet.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g white flour (preferably type 550)
- 300 g beetroot (about 1 large beet)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- A pinch of salt

Necessary utensils:
- A pot for boiling the beetroot
- A blender or food processor
- A silicone spatula
- A large bowl for kneading
- A baking tray
- Baking paper (optional)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the beetroot: Start by washing the beetroot very well to remove impurities. Place the beetroot in a pot with cold water and boil for about 30-40 minutes until soft. You can check if it's ready by piercing it with a fork; if it goes in easily, the beetroot is done. After boiling, let it cool slightly, then peel it.

2. Making beetroot puree: Place the boiled beetroot in a blender and blend until you obtain a smooth paste. If necessary, you can add a few tablespoons of water to facilitate blending. Make sure the beetroot paste is homogeneous and free of large chunks.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the beetroot paste, oil, salt, and yeast dissolved in a little warm water (about 100 ml). It is important not to use hot water, as it can kill the yeast.

4. Kneading: Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula, then continue kneading with your hands. The dough will become elastic and slightly sticky. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour and transfer the dough onto it. Gently stretch it with your hands, forming a rectangle, then roll it tightly into a log. Place the log in a greased baking tray (or lined with baking paper).

7. Second rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, you can preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.

8. Baking: After the dough has risen again, place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

9. Cooling: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. It is important not to cover it with a towel, as you want to keep the crust crispy.

Serving suggestions:
This beetroot bread is perfect for toasts with goat cheese and honey, or it can be served alongside a warm vegetable soup. You can slice it and share it with friends at a festive meal or simply enjoy it every morning with a bit of butter.

Possible variations:
- You can add herbs like rosemary or dill to the dough for a more intense flavor.
- Substitute some of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why didn't the inside stay red?
It is possible that the beetroot was not concentrated enough or not mixed evenly in the dough. Make sure to use fresh beetroot and blend it well.

- Can I use canned beetroot?
Yes, but choose a beetroot without additives to maintain the authentic and healthy taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A slice of beetroot bread has about 120 calories and is rich in fiber and vitamins. It is an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast or a nutritious snack.

In conclusion, this beetroot bread recipe is not only simple but also a creative way to add a splash of color and health to your table. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!