Good reasons to make seeded bread
Making Seeded Bread at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and the amount of seeds used. The smell of fresh bread baking in the oven is much better than anything from a shop. It is a simple process that results in a loaf far superior to pre-sliced alternatives. You can customise the seed mix based on what you have in your kitchen cupboards.
Step by step: seeded bread
Mix the dough: Combine the flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the lukewarm water, olive oil and honey then stir the mixture until a rough dough forms.
Knead and add seeds: Tip the dough onto a floured surface and knead for ten minutes until smooth. Fold in most of the seeds during the last few minutes of kneading and save a small handful for the top.
First rise: Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the Seeded Bread dough rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and bake: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a baking tray to rise for another thirty minutes. Sprinkle the remaining seeds on top and bake at 200C for thirty five minutes until golden and hollow when tapped.
The best tips for seeded bread
To get the seeds to stick to the top of the Seeded Bread you can brush the loaf with a little water before sprinkling them on. This creates a sticky surface that holds the seeds in place during the bake. You can toast the seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the dough to enhance their nutty flavour. Ensure your water is lukewarm and not hot as boiling water will kill the yeast and prevent the bread from rising. If you prefer a softer crust you can wrap the hot loaf in a clean tea towel once it comes out of the oven. This bread freezes very well if you want to slice it before putting it in the freezer for later use.
Storing the loaf in a bread bin or a paper bag will help maintain the texture for several days. Avoid using plastic bags as they can make the crust go soft and lose its crunch.
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