Bread with seeds

Seed Bread - A Flavorful Delicacy for Every Occasion

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked bread? This seed bread recipe, made with the help of a bread machine, is not only simple but also an excellent way to experiment with different textures and flavors. Bread is more than just food; it symbolizes warmth, community, and comfort. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or as part of a delicious sandwich, this bread will bring a touch of joy to every meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Kneading and rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 9 rolls

Ingredients:
- 300 ml lukewarm milk (or water for the vegan version)
- 500 g white flour
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 30 g butter (or oil for the vegan version)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry yeast
- Sesame seeds (or other seeds of your choice)

Recipe history:
Bread has been a staple food in the human diet for thousands of years. From simple bread made of ground grains, water, and salt to today’s sophisticated recipes, each culture has added its own twist. Seed bread is a modern variant that not only adds flavor but also nutritional benefits, thanks to the nutrients in seeds.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. The milk should be lukewarm (not hot!) to activate the yeast. If you choose the vegan version, replace the milk with warm water and the butter with oil.

2. Adding ingredients to the bread machine: Start by adding the liquid ingredients to the bread machine’s pan, then add the dry ingredients. Follow this order: milk, sugar, salt, flour, butter (or oil), and yeast. This helps activate the yeast and ensures an even texture of the dough.

3. Setting the program: Choose the kneading and rising program on your machine, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this time, the yeast will activate, and the dough will rise beautifully.

4. Shaping the dough: Once the dough has risen, I recommend greasing your work surface with a little oil to prevent sticking. Remove the dough from the pan and divide it into 9 equal parts. Shape each piece into a round ball, like small rolls.

5. Forming the bread flower: Place the first roll in the center of a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Then, arrange the other rolls around it, forming a flower. This shape not only looks wonderful but also allows for even baking.

6. Final rising: Let the rolls rise for 20-30 minutes in a warm place, covered with a clean towel. This step is essential for the bread to become fluffy and airy.

7. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing them in the oven, brush the surface of the flower with a beaten egg or warm water to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a delicious look and flavor.

8. Baking: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. I recommend checking it after 25 minutes, as every oven bakes differently.

9. Cooling: Once the bread is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the crust.

Serving suggestion:
This seed bread is delicious warm, spread with butter or alongside a creamy soup. You can also serve it with fresh cheese or an olive spread for a savory appetizer.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with other types of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, or chia seeds, to add variety. You can also replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor and to add fiber.

Nutritional benefits:
This seed bread is not only tasty but also healthy. Seeds are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Additionally, the calcium and iron content from the seeds will contribute to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Will the bread rise enough? – If the yeast is fresh and the ingredients are at the right temperature, the bread should rise beautifully.
2. Can I freeze the bread? – Yes, you can freeze the bread, but it's best to do so after it has completely cooled. Slice it and freeze in an airtight bag.
3. How can I improve the texture? – Adding olive oil to the dough will give a softer and fluffier texture.

This seed bread recipe is a perfect way to bring a touch of creativity to your kitchen and enjoy a delicious homemade bread. I encourage you to try it and savor every slice!