Bread with bran and yogurt

Bread with bran and yogurt - a healthy, flavorful recipe!

If you're looking for a bread recipe that combines health with taste, you've come to the right place! Bread with bran and yogurt is not only a delicious staple food but also a nutritious option that will delight your senses. This recipe is simple, yet the result is absolutely spectacular: a bread baked in a Roman pot, with a crispy crust and a soft crumb, perfect for enjoying alongside various dishes or simply with a dab of butter.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Fermentation time: 2 hours (total)
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Necessary ingredients

- 230 ml warm water
- 210 ml natural yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons molasses (or brown sugar for a more pronounced sweet taste)
- 375 g white flour
- 250 g whole wheat flour
- 50 g wheat bran
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 7 g dry yeast (one packet)

Step by step in making the bread

1. Preparing the dough
Start by gathering all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Put the white flour, whole wheat flour, and wheat bran, then make a small well in the middle where you will add the salt. It’s important not to mix the salt directly with the yeast, as the salt can inhibit its action.

2. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, combine half of the warm water with the dry yeast and molasses (or brown sugar). Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will make the dough rise.

3. Mixing the ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, pour the mixture over the flour, along with the remaining water, yogurt, and oil. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until they form a homogeneous dough.

4. Kneading the dough
Here comes the fun part! Start kneading the dough on a clean surface for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become elastic and not stick to your hands. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. First rising
Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it sit in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the bread
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and shape it into a round or oval form, depending on your preferences. Place it in the Roman pot (or another baking dish), covering it again to rise for about an hour.

7. Preheating the oven
While the dough is rising, start preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to ensure everything is ready for baking.

8. Preparing for baking
After the second rising, lightly spray the surface of the bread with water (to achieve a crispy crust) and use a knife to make a cross on the top of the bread. This detail is not only aesthetic but also helps the bread rise evenly in the oven.

9. Baking
Place the bread in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. You will smell the wonderful aroma spreading throughout the house! Check if it’s done by lightly tapping the crust; if you hear a hollow sound, the bread is perfectly baked.

10. Cooling
After you take the bread out of the oven, let it cool on a rack. It’s important not to cut it immediately, as the crumb needs time to set; otherwise, it risks becoming soggy.

Useful tips

- Optional additives: You can add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame to the dough to give it a more interesting texture and flavor. These also add extra nutrients, being excellent sources of healthy fats.
- Experiment with yogurt: If you want to try a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt, which will add even more creaminess to your bread.
- Serving: This bread is delicious served warm with butter, but it can also be used for sandwiches or as a base for bruschetta with tomatoes and basil.

Nutritional benefits

Bread with bran and yogurt is an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Wheat bran is rich in fiber, aiding digestion, while yogurt provides probiotics that support gut health. It is a filling bread that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Certainly! If you use fresh yeast, use about 20 g. Mix it with a similar amount of warm water to activate it before adding it to the dry ingredients.

2. Can I freeze the bread?
Absolutely! The bread freezes very well. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag to prevent ice crystals from forming.

3. How can I achieve a more flavorful bread?
You can try replacing the molasses with maple syrup or adding spices like cinnamon or cumin to the dough for a unique flavor.

Bread with bran and yogurt is an excellent choice for any cooking enthusiast who wants to bring a touch of health and flavor to every day. Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family! Enjoy!