This Homemade Poppy Seed Bread is a delightful and aromatic loaf that’s soft, slightly sweet, and enriched with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds. With a hint of vinegar to enhance the fluffiness of the dough and the richness of warm milk, this bread offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or as a side to your favorite dishes, this homemade bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
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Total Time: 2-3 hours (including rising time)
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Yield: 1 loaf or 12-16 rolls
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Cuisine: Bread, Comfort Food
Full List of Ingredients
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475-500 grams (about 3 3/4 to 4 cups) wheat flour
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5 grams (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) dry yeast
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2 tablespoons sugar
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2 tablespoons poppy seeds
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon vinegar
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1 egg
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25 ml (about 2 tablespoons) vegetable oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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200 ml (about 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon) warm milk
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Stir the mixture until the yeast dissolves completely. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for activating the yeast and ensuring a good rise in the dough.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the egg and vegetable oil to the bowl. Stir the ingredients until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, mixing continuously, until the dough begins to come together.
4. Incorporate the Secret Ingredient
Here’s the secret ingredient: add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the dough. Vinegar reacts with the baking soda, giving the bread extra lift and creating a lighter, airier texture. Knead the dough gently to ensure the vinegar is fully incorporated into the mixture.
5. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Let It Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is key for achieving a fluffy texture in your bread.
7. Shape and Second Rise
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Shape the dough into your desired form, whether that’s a loaf, rolls, or braids. Place the shaped dough on a greased baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
8. Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Once the dough has risen again, brush the top with a little milk or a beaten egg to give the bread a shiny finish. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This cooling time helps the bread retain its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it warm with butter, jam, or as a base for sandwiches.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 150
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Fat: 4g
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Saturated Fat: 0.5g
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Cholesterol: 25mg
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Sodium: 200mg
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Carbohydrates: 23g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugars: 4g
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Protein: 4g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This bread recipe has a classic European influence, where yeast-based dough is paired with simple ingredients like flour, milk, and eggs to create delicious homemade bread. The addition of poppy seeds not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful visual texture. Whether served as a snack, alongside soups, or as part of a hearty breakfast, this bread can be enjoyed in many ways.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Soft and Fluffy: The combination of yeast, vinegar, and baking soda creates a wonderfully light and fluffy texture.
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Simple Ingredients: With only a few basic ingredients, this bread is easy to prepare yet full of flavor.
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Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for a personalized touch.
Health Benefits
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Whole Wheat Flour provides fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
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Poppy Seeds are high in calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are important for bone and muscle health.
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Olive Oil is rich in heart-healthy fats that help reduce inflammation.
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Eggs provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Serving Suggestions
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With Butter and Jam: Serve warm with a spread of butter and your favorite jam for a classic breakfast or snack.
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As Sandwich Bread: Use this soft and fluffy bread to make delicious sandwiches with meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
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With Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of your favorite soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow the dough enough time to rise fully for the best texture.
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Control the Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before baking to avoid uneven cooking.
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Add Flavors: Try adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations to Try
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Add Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be added to the dough for more flavor.
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Use Different Seeds: Swap poppy seeds with sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds for variety.
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Make It Sweet: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the dough for a sweet twist.
Conclusion
This Homemade Poppy Seed Bread is a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its fluffy texture, combined with the nutty poppy seeds and golden crust, will make it a hit with everyone. Whether you enjoy it on its own, with a spread, or as part of a sandwich, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have wheat flour, but the bread will have a slightly different texture.
3. Can I make this bread without poppy seeds?
Yes, you can omit the poppy seeds or replace them with other seeds like sesame or sunflower seeds.
4. How do I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking.
6. Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk alternative like almond milk.
7. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, and the top is golden brown.
8. Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Yes, you can add nuts, dried fruits, or herbs to the dough for additional flavor.
9. How long does this bread keep?
The bread keeps for about 3 days at room temperature. For longer shelf life, freeze it.
10. Can I bake this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for the mixing and kneading process, but you’ll need to bake it in the oven for the best texture and appearance.