Herb Bread (Pane all’Erbe) Recipe
Description: Delight in the warm, aromatic essence of Herb Bread (Pane all’Erbe), a classic European treat that infuses the comforting flavors of fresh parsley, onions, and garlic into a soft, crusty loaf. Perfect for sharing with family or serving at gatherings, this recipe is a low-cholesterol, healthy option for large groups.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 2 round loaves
Servings: 16
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 3 onions
- 1 bulb garlic
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 ¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Herb Mixture: Begin by finely chopping the fresh parsley, onions, and garlic. You can use a sharp knife for this task, or speed things up with a food processor. The goal is to achieve a finely minced consistency that will blend beautifully into the dough.
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, stir the active dry yeast into 1 cup of water. Allow it to stand for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that the yeast becomes activated and starts to foam, which is essential for the dough to rise properly.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir the minced parsley mixture and olive oil into the yeast mixture. This blend will infuse the dough with aromatic flavors that are characteristic of Herb Bread.
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Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unbleached all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually stir in the yeast mixture, adding the flour one cup at a time, until the dough begins to come together. You may need to adjust the flour slightly, depending on the humidity and your specific flour brand.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes silky and elastic. This kneading process helps to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its desirable texture.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, covering it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 ½ hours. The dough should feel soft and pillowy to the touch.
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Shape the Loaves: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down on a floured surface to release the air. Briefly knead the dough again, then divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf.
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Second Rise: Transfer the shaped loaves onto a lightly oiled baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rise until doubled in size, which will take approximately 1 hour. During this time, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the loaves for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottoms. This indicates that the bread is fully baked and has a good crust.
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Cool: Remove the loaves from the oven and cool them completely on wire racks. This step allows the bread to set properly and makes it easier to slice.
Enjoy this flavorful Herb Bread as a delightful accompaniment to soups, stews, or simply with a pat of butter. Each bite brings a blend of fresh herbs and aromatic goodness, making it a perfect choice for any meal or gathering. 🌿🍞
