Beyond Pizza: Crafting Irresistible Homemade Bread

Beyond Pizza: Crafting Irresistible Homemade Bread

In the world of culinary delights, few things rival the satisfaction of homemade bread. Move over pizza; we’re about to unravel a recipe that promises to be not just a meal but a sensory experience. Join me as we explore the steps to create a bread that’s not only tastier but also richer in flavor and texture.

Ingredients
For the Dough:
  1. 450 g of flour
  2. 1/2 cube of fresh yeast (20 g)
  3. 2 tablespoons of flour
  4. 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon of salt
  6. 250 g of lukewarm water
For Coating:
  1. 100 ml of olive oil
  2. 2 cloves of garlic
  3. 1 handful of fresh basil
  4. 1 handful of fresh parsley
Additional Toppings:
  • Grated mozzarella or parmesan
  • A few olives
Procedure
1. Activating the Yeast
  • Place half a cube of yeast in a bowl.
  • Add half a teaspoon of sugar and pour 250 ml of lukewarm water.
  • Add two tablespoons of flour and stir until all ingredients dissolve without lumps.
  • Leave the dissolved yeast in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it activates and foams.
2. Creating the Dough
  • Measure and sift 450 g of flour, add a teaspoon of salt, and the activated yeast.
  • Knead with a dough mixer until it becomes compact and separates from the bowl’s walls.
  • If kneading by hand, mix until the flour is absorbed and continue until the dough is compact, smooth, and not too sticky.
  • Shape into a ball, cover, and let it ferment in a warm, draft-free room for about half an hour or until doubled in volume.
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3. Rolling and Preparing
  • Spread the risen dough on a floured surface and roll it out evenly.
  • Transfer it to a piece of baking paper on a wide, shallow baking tray.
  • Cut it into cubes.
4. Crafting the “Pesto”
  • Chop fresh basil and parsley, grate or squeeze garlic, and mix with 100 ml of olive oil.
  • Spread the mixture across all the incisions, then brush the entire surface with a silicone brush.
5. Toppings and Baking
  • Sprinkle grated mozzarella, parmesan, or your preferred cheese along the cuts.
  • Place a sliced olive on top of each cube and press gently.
  • Optionally, sprinkle more mozzarella over the entire bread.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes.
Conclusion

As the aroma of this artisanal bread fills your kitchen, you’ve not just baked; you’ve crafted an experience. With its golden crust, flavorful coating, and delightful toppings, this bread transcends the ordinary. Pizza might have a competitor on the table, but this creation is in a league of its own.