Sunflower bread

Flower-shaped bread with poppy seeds: a delicious and easy-to-make recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Introduction

The joy of baking bread at home is a ritual that brings communities together and fills the air with inviting aromas. Flower-shaped bread with poppy seeds is not only an excellent choice for festive meals but also a delightful option for a savory breakfast or snack. This simple and quick recipe will transform your kitchen into a true oven of flavor and warmth. Additionally, its artistic appearance makes it perfect for impressing guests. I will explain step by step how to achieve this wonderful bread and provide useful tips for personalizing it.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious bread, you will need the following ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour (ideally use type 650 flour for a slightly elastic texture)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (you can also use honey for a more natural taste)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps improve the dough's texture)
- 1 cube of butter (about 25 g, which will add a rich flavor)
- Fresh yeast the size of a walnut (if using dry yeast, use 7 g)
- 200 ml lukewarm water (ideal between 30-40 degrees Celsius)
- Salt (1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavors)
- Poppy seeds (for decoration and added flavor)

Making the dough

1. Start by warming the water in a small pot. Add the cube of butter to the warm water, allowing it to melt completely. This will help achieve a soft and flavorful dough.

2. In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it, then create a well in the center of the flour. Add the eggs, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt.

3. Once the butter has melted in the water, pour the butter and water mixture into the well formed in the flour. Now, add the fresh yeast. It is important that the yeast is well distributed. If using dry yeast, mix it with the flour before adding the other ingredients.

4. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or with your hands, gradually incorporating the flour into the liquid. When the mixture becomes homogeneous, knead the dough with your hands for 8-10 minutes. The dough is ready when it no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little more flour.

5. After kneading, cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. This step is essential for achieving fluffy bread.

Shaping the bread

1. After the dough has risen, divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. This will allow for easy shaping of the flower.

2. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Carefully place them in an oiled and floured baking tray, ensuring they are slightly spaced apart to allow for expansion.

3. Now begin to form the flower. Arrange the dough balls in a circular pattern, alternating them to create petals. If you wish, you can gently press the center of each "petal" to create a more detailed appearance.

4. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top to add a pleasant contrast in texture.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal time to check if the dough has risen again.

2. Once the oven is ready, place the tray with the bread inside. Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

3. After baking, let the bread cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows steam to escape, ensuring the inside remains fluffy.

Serving suggestions

This flower-shaped bread can be enjoyed plain, with butter and jam, or alongside fine cheeses. It is also perfect for accompanying rich soups or salads. You can even serve it with a glass of white wine for an elegant lunch.

Nutritional benefits

This homemade bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates, and the eggs add valuable protein to the diet. Poppy seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. Additionally, using apple cider vinegar can help improve digestion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture and more complex flavor.

2. How can I keep the bread fresh?
I recommend storing it in a cloth bag or a glass container to maintain moisture.

3. Can I freeze the bread?
Of course! You can freeze the bread after it has completely cooled. You can slice it to thaw only what you need.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add dried herbs or grated cheese to the dough for extra flavor. You can also replace poppy seeds with sesame or hemp seeds.

Conclusion

Flower-shaped bread with poppy seeds is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to impress your family and friends with a special dish. It is a good choice for any occasion but also to indulge your taste buds during a casual snack. So get ready to enjoy a unique culinary experience! Enjoy your meal!