When cold days prevail outside, there is nothing more pleasant than the warmth of home and the aroma of freshly baked bread.
This bread is not just food, but an experience that awakens all the senses. Its preparation, although it requires a little patience, is extremely fulfilling, and the result – a bread so delicious that you will hardly resist saving it for the next day.
Perfect for breakfast with butter, as an accompaniment to thick autumn soups or as an addition to cheese plates.
The secret of extraordinary taste
The unique taste and texture of this bread lies in careful selection and balance of the main ingredients. The heart of every bread is flour, and for a fuller taste it is recommended combining white flour with wholemeal or barley flour.
Whole wheat flour, richer in fiber and nutrients, gives the bread depth and a light nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the nuts. Honey is not only a natural sweetener, it has several essential roles: it provides a soft, natural sweetness; it helps retain moisture, so the bread stays soft for days; it promotes fermentation and helps form a caramelized, aromatic crust.
Nuts, meanwhile, bring crispy texture and rich flavorFor best results, toast them briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the dough – this small step releases aromatic oils, intensifies the flavor, and removes any possible bitterness, reports the Telegraph.
Preparation
It starts with yeast activation: in a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with a little lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Leave for 10 minutes, until it starts to foam – a sign that it is ready to use.
In a large bowl combine flour, salt and coarsely chopped roasted nuts. Make a well in the center and add active yeast, lukewarm water, honey and a little melted butter or oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms, then place on a floured surface and start working it by hand for 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth.
Form a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a cloth or plastic wrap. Leave in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until it doubles in volume. Then, press it lightly to remove the air and shape the bread, round or oblong as desired. Place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, cover again and let rise for another 30–60 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200-220 ° CThe secret to the perfect crust is steam in the oven during the first few minutes of bakingYou can achieve this by sprinkling a little water on the bottom of the oven or using a heavy pot with lid. Bake covered for 20–25 minutes, then remove the lid and continue baking until cooked through. golden brown color and caramel flavor.
Completion and storage
The bread is ready when sounds empty at the bottom when you tap it. Let it cool in a metal mesh – resist the temptation to cut it while it’s still hot, because the middle will become sticky. Let it rest for at least an hour. Store wrapped in cotton or linen napkin at room temperature, cut side down.
If you don't plan to consume it for 2-3 days, Cut into slices and freeze., at any moment you will have a piece of aromatic bread ready, to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. /Telegraph/
