Daisy bread

Margareta Bread: A Fragrant Indulgence That's Easy to Make

I invite you to discover the recipe for Margareta Bread, a classic dish that will fill your home with enticing aromas and bring joy to your table. This bread, with a fluffy texture and a golden crust, is perfect for any occasion, whether you serve it warm, straight from the oven, or cold, alongside fine cheese.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

- 800 g flour (ideal for bread)
- 200 ml warm water
- 200 ml warm milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Caraway seeds or coarse salt for decoration
- 1 beaten egg for brushing the bread

Useful items

- A large mixing bowl
- A round baking tray
- A clean towel for covering
- A spatula for mixing

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the starter: Start by mixing the warm water with the warm milk. This combination will help activate the yeast. From this mixture, take half and pour it into a small bowl. Add the sugar and the crumbled fresh yeast. Gently mix until the yeast has dissolved. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on top – a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour to remove any lumps. Add the salt and mix well. Making a small crater in the middle of the flour, pour in the previously prepared starter. Using a spatula, mix the ingredients, pulling the flour from the edges to the center. Continue until you obtain a homogeneous, non-sticky dough that is easy to handle.

3. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour. The dough should double in volume.

4. Shaping the pieces: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball. This will ensure even baking and a fluffy texture.

5. Second rise: Place the balls in the round baking tray, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising during baking. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

6. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the egg and brush each piece of bread with it. Sprinkle caraway seeds or coarse salt on top, as desired. These not only add flavor but also an attractive appearance.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. It’s useful to perform the toothpick test to ensure it is baked through.

8. Finishing: Once removed from the oven, sprinkle the bread with a little warm water. This simple trick will keep the crust soft and pleasant. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.

Practical Tips

- Choose the right flour: Type 650 or 000 flour is ideal for bread, ensuring a slightly elastic texture.
- Ingredient temperature: Make sure the water and milk are warm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast. The optimal temperature is around 37°C.
- Storing the bread: The bread keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, sliced, for later use.
- Variations: You can add sesame seeds, olives, or herbs to the dough for a personalized touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 8 g of dry yeast and follow the same steps.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active. If the dough doesn’t rise, you may have used water that was too hot, or the yeast was expired.

3. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
The bread is done when it turns golden and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 90°C.

4. What can I serve Margareta Bread with?
This bread is perfect with butter, cheese, cold cuts, or served with soups and salads. You might try serving it with a tomato sauce or a fresh green salad.

A Personal Note

This Margareta Bread recipe reminds me of the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who always told me that the secret to good bread is the love you put into every step of the process. So, I encourage you to cook with an open heart and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!