Sure! Here’s the detailed recipe for Braided Sweet Potato Bread, a delightful vegan option perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. With its lovely russet color, it’s bound to be a hit on your fall or winter dinner table!
Braided Sweet Potato Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
- 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cups soymilk
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 cups unbleached white flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Soymilk (for brushing)
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let it stand for about 10 minutes until the yeast is dissolved.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the oil, dried thyme, mashed sweet potato, honey, and soymilk into the yeast mixture. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, cornmeal, and salt.
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Form Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gradually combine using a spoon, then knead with your hands until a smooth dough forms. Add extra flour if needed to reduce stickiness.
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Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long coil, about 1 inch in diameter. Braid three coils together to form each loaf, pinching the ends together.
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Second Rise: Place the braided loaves on a floured baking sheet, cover them with a tea towel, and let them rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the loaves with soymilk. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this homemade Braided Sweet Potato Bread!
This bread is not only vegan-friendly but also packed with nutrients from the sweet potato and whole wheat flour, making it a wholesome addition to your holiday menu. Whether served alongside your main course or enjoyed as a snack, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser 🍞✨.
