Bread with yogurt

Yogurt Bread - a delicious and comforting recipe

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread? Yogurt bread is not just a simple recipe, but an unforgettable experience that will delight your senses. This warm, steaming braided bread is perfect for any meal, whether served alongside a warm soup or used to create delicious sandwiches.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including rising time)
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g yogurt (homemade for a richer taste)
- 50 ml water plus one tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 500 g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 packet of granulated yeast (about 7 g)
- 1 egg for brushing (optional)
- Poppy and sesame seeds for decoration

Let’s start our culinary adventure!

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. It's essential to use homemade yogurt, as it will add a tangy note that makes the bread fluffier and more flavorful. Make sure the water is at room temperature to activate the yeast more effectively.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix the dry ingredients with a spatula or by hand to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed.

3. Adding the wet ingredients
In the center of the flour mixture, make a well and add the yogurt, water, and oil. Using a spatula, begin to mix the ingredients, gradually incorporating the flour. If you feel the dough is too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon of water.

4. Kneading the dough
Transfer the dough to a clean countertop and put your kneading skills to work. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Don’t worry if you can’t knead it perfectly; even a less-kneaded dough can produce delicious bread.

5. First rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. If you are using a bread machine, simply add the ingredients in the specified order and let it do all the work for you.

6. Shaping the bread
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into three equal parts. Shape each part into a long strand. Carefully braid the three strands together, creating a beautiful shape. Place the braided bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rise
Cover the bread again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, until it reaches the edge of the tray. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and airy texture.

8. Preparing for baking
Before placing the bread in the oven, beat an egg in a small bowl and gently brush the surface of the bread. This will give a golden and appetizing crust. Sprinkle poppy and sesame seeds on top for a decorative look and delicious taste.

9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and bake the bread for 25 minutes or until golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will surely make your mouth water!

10. Cooling
After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool on a wire rack. The wait will be a challenge, but it's essential to allow the steam to escape and prevent a soggy texture.

Serving suggestions
Yogurt bread is versatile and can be served in countless ways. You can slice it and serve it with fresh butter or cottage cheese. It’s also excellent alongside soups, stews, or even as a base for sandwiches. You can add toppings like avocado, tomatoes, or olives for a healthy breakfast.

Interesting variations
If you want to experiment, you can add dried herbs to the dough, such as oregano or rosemary, to give it a Mediterranean flavor. You can also replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or rye flour for a healthier option.

Nutritional benefits
This yogurt bread is an excellent choice, as yogurt adds protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestion. Whole wheat flour, if used, provides valuable fiber that helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Considering the ingredients, a serving of yogurt bread can have about 180-200 calories, depending on the type of flour used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt will make the bread denser, but it will add a creamy texture and richer flavor.

2. How can I keep the bread fresh longer?
The bread can be stored in a paper bag at room temperature for a few days or can be frozen for later use.

3. Can I use another form of yeast?
If you are using fresh yeast, make sure to crumble it and dissolve it in warm water before adding it to the mixture.

4. What can I do with leftover bread?
If you have leftover stale bread, you can turn it into croutons or breadcrumbs to use in various dishes.

I hope this yogurt bread recipe inspires you to create something delicious in your kitchen! Treat yourself to a warm and delicious bread that will not only fill the tables but also bring joy to the hearts of your loved ones. Cook with passion and joy, and the result will always be rewarding!