Golden Crusted Italian Bliss: Easy Vegan High-Protein Bread Recipe

Italian Bread Recipe

🕒 Total Time: 45 minutes
🥄 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 35 minutes

Description: Indulge in the delightful flavors of freshly baked Italian Bread with this recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. This European-inspired, vegan-friendly bread is not only low in cholesterol but also packs a punch with its high protein content, making it a healthy choice for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have four delicious loaves ready to enjoy in less than an hour!

Ingredients:

• 3 packets of fresh yeast
• 3-4 cups of warm water
• 3 cups of gluten flour
• 1/2 cup of bread flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening
• Cornmeal (for dusting)
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture:

   • In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in 2 cups of warm water.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten flour, bread flour, sugar, and salt.

3. Incorporate Yeast Mixture:

   • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the dissolved yeast mixture.
   • Mix thoroughly either by hand (using Marino’s method) or with the dough hook of a mixer.

4. Adjust Dough Consistency:

   • Gradually add 1 to 2 cups of the remaining warm water to the mixture, ensuring the dough is sticky in consistency.

5. Knead Dough:

   • Spread 2 tablespoons of shortening on top of the dough and knead it in thoroughly.

6. First Rise:

   • Cover the dough with a cloth and place it in a warm spot to rise for 30 minutes. (Tip: Marino suggests using a slightly warmed oven for this.)

7. Second Rise:

   • After 30 minutes, knead the dough in the bowl for about 3 minutes.
   • Cover and return the bowl to a warm spot to rise for an additional 1 hour.

8. Shape Loaves:

   • Divide the dough into 4 equal sections.
   • Lightly flour a counter and a rolling pin, then roll each section of dough into a rectangle.
   • Roll up each piece of dough lengthwise, similar to a jelly roll.
   • Shape each roll into a loaf, sealing the seam with the side of your hand or knuckles.

9. Coat with Cornmeal and Sesame Seeds:

   • Sprinkle some cornmeal and sesame seeds on the kitchen counter.
   • Spread a small amount of warm water over the top of each loaf with your hand, then roll each loaf over the seeds and cornmeal to coat.

10. Final Rise:

    • Lightly dust another counter with cornmeal and place the finished loaves on top.
    • Cover them with a towel and let them rise for an additional 15 minutes.

11. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • If using oven tiles or a pizza stone, sprinkle them with cornmeal and place them in the oven to heat.

12. Bake the Loaves:

    • Place the risen loaves on the hot oven tiles or in lightly greased oblong cake pans, with 2 loaves per pan.
    • If using pans, remove them after 15 minutes and place the loaves directly on the top oven rack to finish baking.
    • Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the loaves are golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1435.5
• Fat: 13.1g
• Saturated Fat: 2.8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2143.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 75.8g
• Fiber: 3.8g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 257.7g

Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked Italian Bread wafting through your kitchen as you savor each delectable bite of this homemade delight!