Italian Wheat Bread is a delightful creation that embodies the essence of Mediterranean flavors with a touch of rustic charm. This recipe, sourced from the esteemed cookbook “Electric Bread,” promises a culinary journey through the sun-kissed fields of Italy with every bite. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 3 hours and 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a delectable homemade bread experience without the hassle of extensive preparation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 2 cups of white bread flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 3/4 cup of pesto sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon of fast-rising yeast
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1006.7
- Fat Content: 2.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 1757.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 212.7g
- Fiber Content: 8.4g
- Sugar Content: 19.6g
- Protein Content: 28.9g
Instructions:
- Begin by loading the ingredients into your bread machine in the specified order. It’s essential to ensure that the pesto sauce is stirred well before adding it to the mix to distribute its vibrant flavors evenly throughout the dough.
- Select either the regular or rapid bake cycle on your bread machine, depending on your preference and time constraints.
- Allow the bread machine to work its magic, kneading the dough to perfection and giving it ample time to rise and develop its characteristic texture.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the freshly baked Italian Wheat Bread from the bread machine.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing it into thick, indulgent slices, ready to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a tantalizing meal.
Recipe Variations:
- For a vegan-friendly option, simply omit the cheese when serving or substitute it with your favorite plant-based alternative.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings in the pesto sauce to customize the flavor profile of your bread, from fragrant basil to piquant sun-dried tomatoes.
- Get creative with toppings and serving suggestions, such as turning slices of Italian Wheat Bread into mini pizzas by adding marinara sauce and your favorite cheese before toasting them under the broiler for a deliciously melty treat.
Tips and Tricks:
- To ensure the best results, use high-quality ingredients, including fresh herbs and aromatic olive oil, to elevate the flavor of your Italian Wheat Bread.
- If you don’t have a bread machine, fear not! You can still enjoy this recipe by mixing the ingredients in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and following the same baking instructions.
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to several days, or freeze individual slices for longer-term storage.
Conclusion:
Italian Wheat Bread is more than just a bread recipe; it’s a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in every slice. Whether enjoyed on its own, accompanied by a hearty soup, or transformed into delectable mini pizzas, this bread is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with its irresistible flavor and rustic charm. So why wait? Fire up your bread machine and embark on a culinary adventure that’s as easy as it is delicious!
