Bread with yogurt

Yogurt Bread Recipe: A Delight at Home

Bread is more than just a simple food; it is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and traditions passed down through generations. This yogurt bread recipe is one of those recipes that combines simplicity with a refined result. With a fluffy texture and wonderful aroma, this bread is perfect to be served alongside main dishes or simply with a touch of butter.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g of flour
- 300 g of yogurt
- 6 tablespoons of water
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 25 g of fresh yeast
- For brushing: a little milk

The History of Yogurt Bread:
Yogurt bread has deep roots in the cooking traditions of many cultures, being appreciated for its soft and slightly tangy texture, thanks to the yogurt. This ingredient not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the rapid rise of the dough, making the preparation process more efficient.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Yogurt Bread

1. Sifting the Flour:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Sifting helps aerate the flour and achieve a fluffier bread. Make sure to use good quality flour for the best results.

2. Activating the Yeast:
Make a well in the center of the flour and add the crumbled yeast along with 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt. Cover the well with a bit of flour and let the yeast rise for 10 minutes. This step is essential to activate the yeast, which will help the dough rise beautifully.

3. Adding Ingredients:
After 10 minutes, add the salt and the remaining yogurt to the bowl. Start kneading the dough with your hands or a dough hook mixer. Kneading is crucial to develop the gluten, which will give the bread an elastic texture.

4. Incorporating the Oil:
Once the dough starts to form, add the oil around the edge of the bowl and continue kneading. The oil will contribute to a nicer crust and prevent the dough from drying out.

5. The Rising Law:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in volume. You can enhance the rising process by using an oven preheated to 30-35°C, which you turn off immediately after turning it on.

6. Shaping the Bread:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, then roll it up. This step will help create an airy texture inside the bread.

7. Placing in the Tray:
Grease a tray with a little oil and place each rolled piece of dough in the tray, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising. Let them rise for 40 minutes.

8. Preparing for Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the dough has risen again, brush it with a little milk for a golden and shiny crust.

9. Baking:
Place the tray in the oven and bake the bread for 30-40 minutes or until golden and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.

10. Cooling and Serving:
After the bread is baked, remove it from the tray and brush it with a little cold water. Cover it with a clean towel to retain moisture. Wait for it to cool completely before slicing.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate mixing.
- You can add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor (e.g., oregano, rosemary).
- If you want a crustier bread, you can place a tray of water at the bottom of the oven during baking.

Delicious Combinations:
This yogurt bread pairs perfectly with soups, salads or can be served with fresh cheese and tomatoes. You can also use it to make delicious sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt will give the bread a richer texture.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Check if the yeast is active. You can do a simple test: dissolve the yeast in warm water with a little sugar and wait for it to foam.

3. How can I keep the bread fresh?
The bread can be stored in a paper bag at room temperature or frozen to keep it longer.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
Yogurt bread is a filling alternative, rich in protein due to the yogurt. One serving (approximately 100 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Additionally, yogurt provides a boost of probiotics, essential for digestive health.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! I hope the aroma and texture of this yogurt bread delight you and that it becomes a favorite recipe in your family. Enjoy!