Poppy seed bread

Homemade bread is one of the most beloved dishes in our cuisine, with a rich history and a tradition that spans many generations. This simple recipe for poppy seed bread will turn every meal into an unforgettable experience, and its warm aroma will fill your home with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Whether served warm with butter, plain, or with a sprinkle of salt, this bread is sure to become your family’s favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours
Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Approximately 500 g flour (as needed)
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Poppy seeds (for decoration)

Necessary utensils:
- A large bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A baking tray (preferably a pizza or bread type)
- Baking paper
- A clean towel to cover the dough

Step by step for perfect bread:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. The fresh yeast should be soft and moist. You can check if it’s fresh by smelling it; it should have a pleasant, slightly sour aroma.

2. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Crumble the yeast into this well and gradually pour in the lukewarm water. It’s important that the water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix the yeast into the water until fully dissolved. Once the yeast is well combined, add the salt. The salt helps strengthen the gluten, but make sure it doesn’t come into direct contact with the yeast at first to allow the yeast to activate properly.

4. Forming the dough: Start incorporating the flour from the edges into the mixture of yeast, water, and salt. Continue mixing until everything comes together and you have a smooth dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from your hands.

5. Kneading: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. This process develops the gluten and gives the bread an airy texture. If the dough becomes too sticky, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid making the bread too dense.

6. First rising: Place the dough in a clean bowl greased with a little oil to prevent sticking. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

7. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Gently knead it to release the air, then shape it as desired. You can opt for a round or loaf shape, depending on your preference.

8. Second rising: Place the shaped dough on a prepared baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover it again with the damp towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.

9. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Once the dough has risen, brush the surface with a little water to help the poppy seeds stick. Sprinkle poppy seeds evenly over the entire surface of the bread.

10. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 45-50 minutes. The bread is done when it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

11. Cooling: After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool on a wire rack. It’s important not to cover it immediately to avoid condensation that could make the crust soft.

Serving:
Homemade poppy seed bread is delicious served warm, spread with fresh butter. It can be enjoyed alongside soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. It’s also perfect for breakfast, paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Use about 8 g of dry yeast. Mix it with the flour before adding the water.

- How can I flavor the bread? You can add various herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough for a special flavor.

- What is the shelf life of the bread? Homemade bread keeps well in plastic wrap or an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates that provide energy. Additionally, the whole flour used in its preparation contains fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals for a healthy diet. Poppy seeds add extra calcium and essential fatty acids.

Possible variations:
- Mixed seed bread: Add sunflower seeds, sesame, or pumpkin seeds for varied texture and flavor.
- Olive bread: Incorporate chopped green or black olives into the dough for a Mediterranean taste.
- Nut and dried fruit bread: Add chopped nuts or raisins for a sweet bread variant, perfect for breakfast.

This simple recipe for homemade poppy seed bread will not only bring you the satisfaction of baking something delicious but also create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, because a good meal is always more enjoyable when shared! Enjoy!