Quick Christmas Danube Bread Recipe
The Quick Christmas Danube Bread is a festive, savory treat perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful combination of spinach, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s easy to make, light on effort, and impressively delicious. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for something special to serve at a Christmas party, this Danube bread is sure to shine.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour | 275g |
| Spinach | 150g |
| Whole Milk | 60g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 15g |
| Egg Yolk | 1 |
| Instant Yeast for Savory Preparations | 8g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fine Salt | 5g |
| Edamer Cheese | 120g (diced) |
| Sun-dried Tomatoes in Oil | 90g (drained) |
| Whole Milk (for brushing) | as needed |
| Sunflower Seeds | as needed |
| Flax Seeds | as needed |
| Pumpkin Seeds | as needed |
| Ricotta Salata (salted ricotta) | as needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient choices.)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spinach: Begin by washing the spinach thoroughly. In a medium skillet, heat a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove (either whole or minced) and sauté for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil. Add the spinach, cover with a lid, and allow it to cook down for a few minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Dough: Once the spinach has cooled, transfer it to a food processor. Blitz until you have a smooth spinach puree. Next, combine the flour and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add the spinach puree to the flour mixture and begin mixing. Slowly add the whole milk and extra virgin olive oil, stirring continuously to form a rough dough. Once the mixture begins to come together, add the salt and continue kneading by hand for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Form the Dough Balls: Divide the dough into equal portions using a bench scraper or knife. Roll each piece into a ball. Lightly flour your work surface and flatten each ball with a rolling pin, creating small, round discs, about 6-7 cm in diameter.
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Add the Filling: On each disc, place a small amount of Edamer cheese cubes and sun-dried tomatoes. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a small pouch-like shape. Seal the edges securely, ensuring that the filling stays inside.
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Shape and Bake: Arrange the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shaping them into a festive tree shape or simply in a circular pattern if preferred. Brush the tops with a bit of whole milk to give the bread a beautiful golden color when baked.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), and bake the bread for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
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Final Touches: After the bread has cooled for a few minutes, garnish with a sprinkling of sun-dried tomatoes and a generous amount of grated ricotta salata to add extra flavor and texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Quick Christmas Danube Bread is now ready to serve! Slice into individual portions and enjoy with your family and guests. It’s the perfect holiday appetizer, complementing everything from cheese platters to festive main courses.
This Quick Christmas Danube Bread is the perfect holiday recipe that brings festive cheer to the table. Its savory filling combined with the tender bread and crispy seed topping will have everyone reaching for another piece. Enjoy the holidays with a fresh twist on traditional flavors!
Tips and Variations:
- You can substitute the Edamer cheese with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar, depending on your taste.
- For a vegan version, replace the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, like almond milk and a vegan cheese variety.
- Try adding a handful of herbs like thyme or oregano to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- The bread can also be served with a dipping sauce such as a creamy balsamic glaze or olive tapenade for an added touch of elegance at your holiday gatherings.
This simple yet tasty recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or attending a holiday potluck, this Danube Bread will make a statement on any festive table.
