Bread with Kaiser

Kaiser Bread: A Warm and Flavorful Delicacy

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread, spreading a comforting warmth throughout the house? Kaiser bread is a recipe that combines the rich flavor of kaiser with the fluffy and crunchy texture of homemade bread. This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a culinary experience that will take you on a journey of tastes and scents.

Ingredients needed (for 6-8 servings):

- 500 g wheat flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Warm water (approximately 250 ml, but you can adjust according to the desired texture)
- 300 g kaiser, sliced
- 1 egg, for brushing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Step 1: Preparing the starter

Start by preparing the starter that will bring this aromatic bread to life. In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of sugar. Add two tablespoons of warm water and two tablespoons of flour. Mix gently until you obtain a smooth paste. This mixture will be the base to activate the yeast, so make sure the ingredients are well incorporated. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.

Step 2: Kneading the dough

Once the starter is activated, it's time to prepare the dough. In a large bowl, add the remaining flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated starter. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 3: Letting the dough rise

After you have obtained a homogeneous dough, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shaping the bread

Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Make sure the edges are well defined. In the center, place the slices of kaiser, distributing them evenly.

Here comes the fun part: fold the dough over the filling, making sure to seal the edges well. You can make a few slashes on the top of the bread to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Baking the bread

Place the bread in a greased baking tray or lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg in a small bowl and carefully brush the surface of the bread. This will give a golden and shiny crust.

Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly.

Step 6: Serving

After the bread has cooled, slice it and enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a meal with friends. Kaiser bread pairs wonderfully with mustard sauce or cheese spread.

Practical tips:

- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve fluffy bread. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use 10 g of dry yeast.
- The kaiser: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as ham or even cheese, to vary the flavor.
- Storing the bread: The bread can be stored in a plastic wrap or an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later.
- Variations: You can add herbs to the dough or even a little garlic for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

This kaiser bread is not only delicious, but also provides protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the flour, making it an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can it be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of water.

- Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can replace the kaiser with turkey or prosciutto to vary the flavor.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using a vegetable filling and omitting the egg.

Kaiser bread is not just a dish, but an opportunity to gather family or friends around the table. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that is worth trying. So, gather your ingredients, put on an apron, and let’s get cooking!