Masala Cheese Bread Loaf Recipe with Garam Masala & Herbs: A Fusion Delight
Description
The Masala Cheese Bread Loaf with Garam Masala & Herbs is a delicious fusion twist on the traditional bread, infused with the rich flavors of homemade Garam Masala and fresh Indian herbs like Coriander (Dhania) and Mint (Pudina). This recipe adds a desi touch to the classic loaf, bringing a melt-in-the-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. With cheese on top, this bread offers an extra layer of flavor that takes it to a whole new level. The best part? This bread tastes even better the next day, with neatly sliced portions perfect for a snack or breakfast!
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pre-Ferment:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/2 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 cups |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Caster Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter (Salted) | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
| Mint (Pudina) Leaves | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
| Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
Preparation Time:
120 minutes (includes proofing time)
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pre-Ferment (1 day before making the bread)
Start by making the pre-ferment for the bread, which will help create a light and airy texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of All Purpose Flour (Maida), 1 tablespoon of Active Dry Yeast, and 1 tablespoon of Sugar. Add enough warm water to form a sticky dough. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated. -
Ferment the Dough
Leave the mixture in a warm place to rise. Allow it to triple in size, which should take about 1 to 2 hours. Once it has risen, transfer it to a glass container and refrigerate. The pre-ferment can be stored in the fridge for up to several weeks, making it perfect for baking fresh bread whenever desired. -
Prepare the Dough
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of All Purpose Flour (Maida), 2 teaspoons of Salt, and 1 tablespoon of Caster Sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of Active Dry Yeast, 1/2 tablespoon of Garam Masala Powder, and 2 teaspoons of Turmeric Powder (Haldi). These spices will give the bread its distinctive flavor and color. -
Incorporate Butter and Herbs
Add 1/2 cup of softened Butter (Salted) to the dry ingredients. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped Coriander (Dhania) and Mint (Pudina) Leaves. These fresh herbs bring a fragrant aroma and a burst of freshness to the bread. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. -
Combine with Pre-Ferment
Add the prepared pre-ferment to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together, gradually adding water as needed to form a smooth and soft dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. -
First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the dough has doubled in size. -
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. -
Second Rise
Cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has puffed up and filled the pan. -
Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, sprinkle the top of the loaf with 1/2 cup of grated Cheese, pressing it lightly into the dough. This will create a golden, cheesy crust as the bread bakes. -
Bake the Bread
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. The bread will be more flavorful the next day when it has completely cooled and the flavors have had time to meld.
Tips for Perfect Masala Cheese Bread Loaf:
- Pre-Ferment Storage: The pre-ferment can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, so make it ahead of time and use it whenever you’re in the mood for freshly baked bread.
- Herb Variations: While Coriander and Mint are traditional, feel free to experiment with other herbs like Basil or Parsley for a unique flavor profile.
- Cheese Variety: Use a mix of cheeses like Cheddar or Mozzarella for a richer taste, or try adding a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the Masala Cheese Bread Loaf as a snack, breakfast, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads. It’s also fantastic for making sandwiches with your favorite fillings, be it fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, or creamy spreads. The cheesy, spiced crust is perfect for dipping into tangy chutneys or curries.
By incorporating the rich flavors of Garam Masala and fresh Indian herbs, this Masala Cheese Bread Loaf is a delightful fusion of East meets West. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of exotic flavor to your bread-baking repertoire!
