Tasty bread with pesto

Tasty Bread with Pesto – A Flavorful Delight

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10 slices

If you are looking for a bread recipe that combines flavor with intense aromas, you have come to the right place. Pesto bread is not just a simple bakery product; it is a culinary experience that will delight your senses. This simple and effective recipe will turn every meal into a special occasion.

Short History
Bread is a staple food in many cultures around the world, and adding pesto adds a touch of originality. Pesto, a traditional Italian sauce, is made from fresh basil, olive oil, nuts, and cheese. The combination of these two elements – tasty bread and the vibrant flavors of pesto – creates a perfect synergy that has won the hearts of many cooking enthusiasts.

Ingredients
- 275 g white flour
- 275 g whole wheat flour
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 2 packets of dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Pesto (to taste)
- Hot paprika (for topping)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by mixing the two types of flour in a large bowl. Add the dry yeast and mix well. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. This step is essential for activating the yeast, allowing the bread to rise beautifully.

2. Adding the Water
Meanwhile, heat 250 ml of water until it becomes lukewarm, but not hot. Add the salt to the water and stir until completely dissolved. This step is crucial, as the salt helps develop flavors and strengthens the dough's structure.

3. Kneading the Dough
Add the olive oil and salted water to the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gradually incorporate the ingredients. Once the ingredients are mixed, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. You will know the dough is ready when it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. Rising the Dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place. Wait until the dough doubles in volume, about 1 hour.

5. Shaping the Bread
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface and divide it in two. Shape two long rolls. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll in the middle, but not all the way through.

6. Adding the Pesto
Spread the inside of each roll with pesto, adding a generous amount for an intense flavor. Sprinkle the hot paprika for an extra kick.

7. Wrapping the Bread
Carefully seal each roll by pinching the edges to prevent the pesto from leaking during baking.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the breads on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes. Bake the breads for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and crispy on the outside.

9. Cooling
After baking, remove the breads from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack to avoid condensation.

10. Serving
You can enjoy this pesto bread alongside a warm soup, a fresh salad, or as an appetizer with cheese and olives. It is perfect both warm and cold, and it keeps well in the following days.

Practical Tips
- Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can experiment by adding various spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or oregano, to give it an even more intense flavor.
- If you don’t have pesto available, you can use alternative sauces, such as tapenade or hummus, for a different version.

Nutritional Benefits
This pesto bread is an excellent choice for your diet, having a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Whole wheat flour brings essential fiber that supports digestive health, and pesto, rich in olive oil and aromatic herbs, provides valuable antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with rye or oat flour for a different flavor.

- How can I store the bread?
The bread stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. To keep it longer, it can be frozen.

- Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients are vegan, but make sure the chosen pesto does not contain cheese if you follow a strict vegan diet.

Possible Variations
- Add feta or mozzarella cheese inside the bread for a creamy texture.
- Replace the classic pesto with sun-dried tomato or olive pesto for a different flavor.
- You can turn this recipe into small bread rolls, perfect for appetizers.

Whether you choose to serve it with a sauce or simply enjoy it on its own, this tasty pesto bread will surely become a staple recipe in your kitchen. I invite you to try it and enjoy every bite!