Rustic Rosemary Garlic Zucchini Bread Recipe
Description:
This Rustic Rosemary Garlic Zucchini Bread is a delightful fusion of spelt flour, fragrant rosemary, and savory garlic, making it an ideal accompaniment for hearty meals. Spelt, an ancient grain with a rich history in European cuisine, brings a nutty, earthy flavor to this bread, while the fresh zucchini adds moisture and texture. This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, especially for those seeking a comforting, savory addition to their dinner table.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dinner
Diet: Eggetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Lukewarm Water | 1/4 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 1/4 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 1 tablespoon |
| Rosemary, finely chopped | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Green Zucchini, shredded | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sunflower Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 2 tablespoons (for kneading dough) |
Preparation Time:
40 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir the ingredients together until evenly mixed. -
Add Aromatics and Vegetables:
To the flour mixture, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded green zucchini. The zucchini will release moisture, so be mindful as you proceed. -
Knead the Dough:
Gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture, about 2 tablespoons at a time, and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Continue kneading until the dough comes together and achieves a smooth yet firm consistency. The dough should be slightly sticky but should clean the sides of the bowl. -
Oil and Let Rise:
Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough ball inside, turning it once to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it in a warm, draft-free location to rise for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size. -
Shape the Loaves:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle some chopped rosemary on top for added flavor and decoration. -
Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled. Cover the loaves with plastic wrap and allow them to rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise. -
Preheat the Oven:
About 10 minutes before the second rise is complete, preheat your oven to 190Β°C (375Β°F). -
Prepare for Baking:
Once the dough has risen for the second time, use a sharp knife to make a few shallow cuts on the top of each loaf. This will help the bread rise evenly during baking and prevent cracking. -
Bake the Bread:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top. The loaves should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating they are fully baked. -
Finish the Loaves:
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the tops with butter. Let the butter melt and soften the crust, enhancing the flavor and texture. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the rustic rosemary garlic zucchini bread to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve alongside a delicious pasta dish such as Pasta in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce for a truly satisfying weekend dinner.
Tips and Variations:
- Flour Substitutions: If you donβt have spelt flour, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or a handful of cheese for a richer flavor.
- Storage: This bread stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. Simply slice it and wrap it tightly before freezing.
This Rustic Rosemary Garlic Zucchini Bread is the perfect example of how humble ingredients like zucchini and spelt flour can create something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it as part of a dinner spread or enjoying it as a stand-alone snack, this bread will undoubtedly become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.
