Bread with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and sesame

Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Sesame Bread

Welcome to the fascinating world of cooking! Today, I’m excited to share a special recipe for a delicious bread that combines the enticing flavors of mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and sesame seeds. This bread is not just a simple accompaniment; it can steal the spotlight at the table, especially when served warm alongside a glass of fresh yogurt or with slices of rustic ham and red onion. Here’s how to prepare it step by step for a perfect result!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 650-700 g flour (preferably country-style flour)
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 ml milk (warm)
- 75 g butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 100 g sun-dried tomatoes (in olive oil)
- 150 g mozzarella
- a few fresh basil leaves
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon milk (for brushing)
- sesame seeds (for decoration)

Step by step for perfect bread:

1. Preparing the starter:
Start by preparing the starter, an essential element to bring your dough to life. In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast with the sugar until it becomes liquid. Then, add 100 ml of warm milk and a handful of flour. Mix well, cover the bowl with a cloth, and let it sit in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the starter has doubled in volume.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the remaining flour. Make a well in the center and gradually pour in the risen starter, melted butter (which should be slightly cooled), the warm milk in which you’ve dissolved the salt, and the vinegar. Gather the flour from the edges, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Knead the dough until it becomes compact and non-sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!

3. First rising:
Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. This process should take about 30 minutes, especially if you’re using quality yeast and country-style flour.

4. Preparing the filling:
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Slice the mozzarella thinly and chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. If you like, you can also add a few torn basil leaves for extra flavor.

5. Shaping the bread:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a thick sheet. Place the slices of mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil leaves in the center of the dough. Carefully roll it up, ensuring the filling stays well wrapped. Then, shape the dough into a spiral (like a snail) and place it in a round baking dish lined with parchment paper.

6. Second rising:
Cover the bread with a cloth and let it rise again in a warm place until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and airy bread.

7. Brushing and decorating:
About 10 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with a teaspoon of milk. Brush this mixture over the surface of the bread and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This step will give your bread a golden and crispy appearance.

8. Baking:
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside. A trick to check if it’s done is to lift the baking dish; if it feels much lighter compared to when you put it in the oven, then the bread is ready!

9. Cooling and serving:
After taking the bread out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing. It’s delicious served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can pair it with creamy yogurt or, for a heartier meal, with rustic ham and red onion.

Practical tips and variations:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add chopped green or black olives to the mozzarella and sun-dried tomato filling.
- The bread can be kept wrapped in aluminum foil or in a paper bag to maintain its freshness, but it’s best enjoyed on the day it was made.
- This recipe can be adapted with various cheeses or vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to vary the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This bread is rich in complex carbohydrates due to the flour, while mozzarella provides protein and calcium. Sun-dried tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, and basil adds a fresh taste along with many vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast; in this case, use about 10 g of dry yeast, activating it according to the instructions on the package.

- How can I tell if the bread is baked?
Another trick is to gently tap the surface of the bread with your finger; if it sounds hollow, then it’s done.

- What other recipes can I pair with this bread?
This bread pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. You can try serving it alongside a Mediterranean salad or with a yogurt sauce flavored with garlic and dill.

Happy cooking, and enjoy a warm and aromatic bread that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones!