This recipe features a soft, homemade bread paired with a creamy chickpea spread. The bread is fluffy and buttery, perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying on its own. The chickpea spread is flavorful, with a blend of red bell pepper, garlic, and lemon, making it a delicious and healthy topping.

 

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• Warm Water: 400 ml (14 fl oz)
  Helps activate the yeast and form the dough.
• Warm Milk: 200 ml (6.8 fl oz)
  Adds richness and helps to create a soft texture in the bread.
• Sugar: 10 g (0.4 oz)
  Feeds the yeast, helping the dough to rise.
• Vegetable Oil: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
  Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
• Yeast: 8 g (0.3 oz)
  The leavening agent that makes the bread rise.
• Flour: 850 g (30 oz)
  Forms the base of the bread dough.
• Soft Butter: 150 g (5.3 oz)
  Adds a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture to the bread.

For the Chickpea Spread:

• Chickpeas: 200 g (7 oz)
  The base of the spread, providing a creamy texture and protein.
• Red Bell Pepper: 100 g (3.5 oz), chopped
  Adds sweetness and a vibrant color to the spread.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  Gives a strong, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: 1 lemon, juiced
  Adds brightness and a tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
  Adds smoothness and enhances the flavors in the spread.
• Water: 70 ml (2.4 fl oz)
  Helps achieve the desired consistency in the spread.
• Salt: 5 g (0.2 oz)
  Balances the flavors.
• Sweet Paprika: 5 g (0.2 oz)
  Adds a hint of sweetness and color.

Instructions

1. Make the Bread:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 400 ml of warm water, 200 ml of warm milk, and 10 g of sugar. Sprinkle 8 g of yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which is necessary for the bread to rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

• Add 30 ml of vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add 850 g of flour, mixing as you go, until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

• Gradually knead in 150 g of soft butter until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet.
  The butter adds richness and gives the bread a tender crumb.

Step 4: First Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  The first rise allows the dough to develop flavor and texture.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

• Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into equal portions and shape them into your desired form—whether it’s a loaf, rolls, or individual buns. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
  Shaping the dough properly ensures an even bake and a uniform appearance.

Step 6: Second Rise

• Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
  The second rise ensures a light and airy texture.

Step 7: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  Baking at this temperature ensures the bread cooks evenly, resulting in a golden crust and soft interior.

Step 8: Cool

• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
  Cooling on a rack prevents the bread from becoming soggy as it cools.

2. Prepare the Chickpea Spread:

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

• In a food processor, combine 200 g of chickpeas, 100 g of chopped red bell pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, the juice of 1 lemon, 30 ml of olive oil, and 70 ml of water. Blend until smooth.
  Blending these ingredients together creates a creamy and flavorful spread.

Step 2: Season

• Add 5 g of salt and 5 g of sweet paprika to the mixture. Blend again until the spices are fully incorporated.
  Seasoning the spread ensures a balanced flavor profile.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency

• If the spread is too thick, add a bit more water or olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
  The ideal consistency is spreadable but not too runny.

Step 4: Serve

• Transfer the spread to a serving bowl. It can be served immediately or chilled for later use.
  The spread pairs perfectly with the freshly baked bread, adding a burst of flavor and a healthy dose of protein.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success

1. Ensure Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If your yeast doesn’t foam during activation, it may be expired, and your dough won’t rise properly.
2. Knead Thoroughly: Don’t rush the kneading process. Proper kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
3. Customize the Spread: Feel free to experiment with the chickpea spread by adding other ingredients like roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs.
4. Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The chickpea spread can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
5. Serving Suggestions: The bread can be enjoyed with the chickpea spread, but it also pairs well with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour for a more rustic texture.
2. Can I freeze the bread?
   • Yes, the bread can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
3. What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
   • If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender to make the chickpea spread, though you may need to blend it in batches.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a great way to enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bread paired with a healthy and tasty spread. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this combination is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful dish!