This recipe creates a soft and aromatic bread with a pre-ferment for a lighter, more flavorful dough. The herbed topping with garlic and olive oil adds a savory punch, and the grated cheddar cheese provides a delicious finish. This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side to your favorite meals.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes for pre-ferment)
- This includes preparing the pre-ferment, mixing the dough, and preparing the herb topping.
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- This is the baking time for the bread.
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes for pre-ferment)
- This includes all preparation, pre-fermentation, and cooking time.
Ingredients:
For the Pre-Fermentation Process:
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast (10g)
- 5g sugar
- 1.5 cups warm water (300ml)
- Half a cup flour (60g)
The Remaining Ingredients for the Dough:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (20ml)
- 3.5 cups flour (420g)
- 8g salt
For the Top:
- 5-6 sprigs of dill, finely chopped
- 5-6 sprigs of parsley, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3g salt
- 1 tea glass olive oil (90ml)
- Grated cheddar cheese (amount as desired)
Instructions:
Pre-Fermentation (Sponge):
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and dry yeast.
- Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the half cup of flour and mix well to form a smooth batter.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume.
Prepare the Dough:
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 3.5 cups of flour and 8g of salt.
- Add the pre-fermented mixture and olive oil to the flour.
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Herb Topping:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped dill, parsley, green onions, minced garlic, 3g of salt, and olive oil.
Assemble and Bake:
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Shape the Bread:
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and shape it into buns, or one large loaf.
- Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Add Topping:
- Spread the herb topping evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 3-5g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
This recipe draws inspiration from Turkish bread traditions, particularly “poğaça,” which are soft, savory buns often filled or topped with herbs and cheese. The pre-fermentation step is a common technique in bread making, enhancing flavor and texture. The herbed olive oil topping is a nod to Mediterranean flavors, and the addition of cheddar cheese adds a modern twist. This type of bread is popular for its versatility, comfort, and delicious combination of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Soft and Flavorful: The pre-ferment and herbed topping create a delicious bread.
- Aromatic Herbs: The combination of dill, parsley, and garlic adds a delightful aroma.
- Cheesy Goodness: Grated cheddar cheese provides a savory finish.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish.
- Relatively Easy: The pre-ferment adds depth, but the recipe is still straightforward.
Health Benefits:
- Source of Carbohydrates: Provides energy.
- Herbs and Garlic: Offer antioxidants and potential health benefits.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions:
- Breakfast: Serve warm with butter or cheese.
- Snacks: Enjoy as a savory snack.
- Side Dish: Pair with soups, stews, or salads.
- Sandwiches: Use as a base for sandwiches.
Cooking Tips:
- Warm Water: Use warm water for the pre-ferment to activate the yeast.
- Don’t Overknead: Knead until smooth and elastic, but avoid overkneading.
- Warm Place to Rise: Ensure the dough rises in a warm place for optimal results.
- Adjust Herbs: Adjust the amount of herbs to your preference.
- Use Quality Olive Oil: Use good-quality olive oil for the topping.
Variations to Try:
- Different Cheeses: Use feta, mozzarella, or other cheeses.
- Add Olives: Add chopped olives to the topping.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the topping.
- Different Herbs: Use thyme, oregano, or other herbs.
- Seed Topping: Add sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Conclusion:
This herbed Turkish bread with cheddar is a delightful and versatile bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful topping and soft texture, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use instant yeast. There is no need to activate it in water first, just add it to the dry ingredients.
- Can I use milk instead of water?
- Yes, milk can be used for a richer dough.
- Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise.
- How do I store leftover bread?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I freeze cooked bread?
- Yes, cooked bread can be frozen. Thaw it at room temperature or in the oven.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
- Ensure the yeast is active and don’t overknead the dough.
- Can I use a stand mixer?
- Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook works well.
- How do I know when the bread is done?
- It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Can I use a different type of oil?
- Yes, melted butter or other vegetable oils can be used.