Homemade bread with potatoes

Homemade Potato Bread: a simple and delicious recipe

Homemade potato bread is an excellent choice for those looking for a soft, fluffy bread with a unique flavor. This recipe combines the hearty taste of potatoes with the airy texture of bread, resulting in a baked product that will delight the whole family. Moreover, it is an easy recipe to prepare, perfect for both beginners and those with experience in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large loaves

Ingredients:
- 600 g potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 650 g flour
- 120 ml warm water
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar

Preparation:

1. Boiling and preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into large pieces, then boil them in a pot of water with 2 teaspoons of salt. Boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until soft. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool. You can check if they are done by poking a fork into them; if it goes in easily, they are perfect.

2. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with 2 teaspoons of sugar until it liquefies. Add 2 teaspoons of flour, mix well, and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to bubble. This step is essential as it activates the yeast and allows it to ferment the dough correctly.

3. Mashing the potatoes: Once the potatoes have cooled, carefully peel them and mash them with a fork or a potato masher. It is important to achieve a smooth paste, free of lumps, to evenly incorporate the potatoes into the dough.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the remaining flour and salt. Add the mashed potatoes and mix well. Then, take the yeast mixture and pour it over the dry ingredients. Also add the 120 ml of warm water along with the olive oil.

5. Kneading the dough: Start kneading the dough with your hands. It is normal for it to be slightly sticky at first; continue kneading for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Don't hesitate to add a little flour if necessary, but avoid adding too much as you want a soft and fluffy bread.

6. Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in size, so check it periodically.

7. Shaping the loaves: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into an oval or round shape, according to your preference. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

8. Second fermentation: Cover the loaves again with the towel and let them rise for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C for electric ovens). Bake the loaves for 45 minutes or until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. If you want a crispier crust, you can place a tray of water in the oven to create steam.

10. Cooling: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool completely on a rack before slicing. This helps maintain the fluffy texture.

Practical tips:
- Make sure to use high-quality potatoes as they will influence the final taste of the bread. Floury potatoes are the best for this recipe.
- If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour without activating it beforehand.
- You can experiment with various spices, such as rosemary or marjoram, to give the bread an extra flavor.

Pairings and serving:
This homemade potato bread is delicious served warm, alongside butter or fresh cheese. It can also be used to accompany soups or stews, adding extra flavor to your meal. Additionally, it is perfect for sandwiches due to its fluffy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Potato bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Potatoes contain essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, and minerals like potassium, benefiting heart health. Additionally, by using whole wheat flour (if you choose to replace white flour), you can increase your fiber intake.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace potatoes with store-bought mashed potatoes? Yes, but make sure it doesn't contain additives or preservatives.
- How can I store the bread? You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze it for later use.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Yes, the recipe is vegan, but make sure to use vegetable oil.

Homemade potato bread is not just a basic recipe but also a way to bring the family together around the table. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a moment of culinary indulgence, this recipe will surely bring a smile to your face. So put on your apron and let’s get cooking!