Boiled and Baked Sesame Bread

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread at home. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the golden crust, and the soft, fluffy interior make it a delightful experience. This unique recipe involves boiling the dough before baking, resulting in a wonderfully textured bread that will have everyone coming back for more. Say goodbye to store-bought bread and hello to this homemade delight that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 400 ml warm water (around 105°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 g dry yeast
• 30 ml vegetable oil
• 700 g wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:

1. Mix Yeast and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine 400 ml of warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 8 g of dry yeast. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and yeast.
2. Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to sit in a warm place for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active.

Mix the Dough:

1. Add Oil: Pour 30 ml of vegetable oil into the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
2. Sift and Add Flour: Sift 700 g of wheat flour through a sieve to remove any lumps and gradually add it to the wet ingredients, along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

1. Knead on a Surface: Turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
2. Oil Your Hands: If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly oil your hands instead of adding more flour to keep the dough from becoming too dry.

First Rise:

1. Grease a Bowl: Place the dough in a bowl greased with vegetable oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and a towel to keep it warm.
2. Let It Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

1. Punch Down and Divide: Punch down the dough to release the air and roll it into a large ball. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
2. Second Rise: Cover the dough balls loosely with a cloth and let them rise for another 10-15 minutes.

Boil the Dough:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Boil Dough Balls: Gently lower each dough ball into the boiling water and cook for 30-40 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Bread:

1. Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the tops of the dough balls with water or milk. Sprinkle with a mixture of white and black sesame seeds (or just white sesame seeds if you prefer).
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the dough balls for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Enjoy:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This helps to set the structure and flavor.
2. Serve: Enjoy your homemade bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or just with a spread of butter.

Tips and Sharing:

• Sifting Flour: If you don’t have a sieve, you can whisk the flour before adding it to the dough to break up any clumps.
• Adjust Baking Time: Depending on your oven, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Storage: This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh its texture.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor. Rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder work wonderfully.
• Batch Cooking: Double the recipe to make more bread and freeze the extra dough balls before boiling. Simply thaw, boil, and bake when needed.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe works because boiling the dough before baking helps to set the shape and creates a chewy texture, similar to bagels. The combination of a soft interior and a slightly crispy crust makes this bread irresistible. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch, while the simple ingredients ensure that the bread is wholesome and flavorful. The process is straightforward and fun, making it a great project for both novice and experienced bakers.

Conclusion

Homemade bread has never been easier or more delicious. This unique method of boiling the dough before baking results in a bread that’s both beautiful and tasty. Perfect for any occasion, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try this recipe and see why you won’t need to buy bread anymore. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own delicious bread that pleases everyone at the table.

Enjoy your homemade boiled and baked bread!