Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread is a delightful bread variation that incorporates the rich and savory flavors of sundried tomatoes into a rustic, homemade loaf. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and makes for a delicious addition to any meal.
History:
The history of sundried tomato bread can be traced back to traditional Mediterranean cuisine, where sundried tomatoes have been used for centuries to add a burst of flavor to various dishes. The exact origin of this specific bread recipe is not well-documented, but it likely emerged as a creative way to incorporate the intense, sweet-tart taste of sundried tomatoes into bread, enhancing its taste and texture.
Components:
To make Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread, you’ll need the following components:
- Flour: Typically, all-purpose or bread flour is used as the base for the dough.
- Water: To hydrate the dough and create the right consistency.
- Sundried Tomatoes: These are the star ingredient, providing the distinctive flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade sundried tomatoes.
- Yeast: Either active dry yeast or instant yeast is used to leaven the bread.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and richness to the bread.
- Salt: To enhance the flavor and regulate the yeast’s action.
Steps to Prepare Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious bread:
Step 1: Rehydrate Sundried Tomatoes
- If you’re using dried sundried tomatoes, rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes. Then, drain and chop them into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Mix Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and chopped sundried tomatoes.
- Gradually add water and olive oil while mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
- Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optionally, you can score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow for even expansion during baking.
- Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it as a side with soups, salads, or as a tasty sandwich base.
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread is approximately 3-3.5 hours, including rising and baking time. It’s a relatively simple recipe that rewards you with a flavorful and aromatic bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a 2-ounce serving):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 280 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 29 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calorie Content: Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread provides around 150 calories per 2-ounce serving. This makes it a reasonable choice for those looking to maintain or control their calorie intake.
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Low in Saturated Fat: This bread is low in saturated fat, which is a positive aspect for heart health. It’s essential to keep saturated fat intake within recommended limits.
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No Trans Fat: Trans fat is known to be harmful to cardiovascular health. The absence of trans fat in this bread is a good thing.
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Low in Cholesterol: Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread is cholesterol-free, which is beneficial for heart health. High cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease.
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Sodium Content: The sodium content is moderate, with 280 milligrams per serving. People who need to watch their sodium intake should be mindful of their overall daily salt consumption.
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Good Source of Carbohydrates: The bread is a good source of carbohydrates, providing 29 grams per serving. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy.
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Dietary Fiber: This bread contains 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help maintain regular bowel movements.
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Protein: With 4 grams of protein per serving, Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread contributes to your daily protein intake. Protein is important for tissue repair and muscle health.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This bread may contain small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals found in the flour, such as B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin) and minerals like iron.
Note: The actual nutrition content may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in the recipe. These values are approximate and can serve as a general guideline.
As with any food, moderation is key. Enjoying Rustic Sundried Tomato Bread as part of a balanced diet can be a tasty way to incorporate flavors and nutrients into your meals while being mindful of your overall nutritional intake.
