Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of this Homemade Sesame Bread with Chickpea Sauce. The bread, baked to golden perfection, is soft and fluffy on the inside with a delightful crunch from the sesame seeds on top. Paired with a creamy and flavorful chickpea sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

This sesame bread is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an excellent addition to any meal. The chickpea sauce, enhanced with garlic, sweet paprika, and turmeric, adds a delightful kick that complements the bread beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, this combination is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

 

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) warm water
• 7 g (0.2 oz) dried yeast
• 120 g (4.2 oz) flour
• 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) warm water (additional)
• 360 g (13 oz) flour (additional)
• 5 g (0.2 oz) salt
• 40 g (1.4 oz) flour (for dusting)
• 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) cold water
• 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) hot water
• 1 egg
• 20 g (0.7 oz) white sesame seeds

For the Sauce:

• 200 g (7.1 oz) chickpeas
• 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) olive oil
• 10 g (0.4 oz) garlic
• 3 g (0.1 oz) sweet paprika
• 3 g (0.1 oz) turmeric
• 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) lemon juice
• 3 g (0.1 oz) black pepper

Directions:

1. Preparing the Dough:
   • Mix 200 ml warm water with 7 g dried yeast and 120 g flour. Let it hydrate for 20 minutes.
2. Adding More Ingredients:
   • Add an additional 200 ml warm water to the hydrated mixture.
   • Gradually add 360 g flour and 5 g salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Leavening:
   • Let the dough rest for 20 minutes to leaven.
4. Resting the Dough:
   • After leavening, let the dough rest for another 20 minutes.
5. Shaping the Dough:
   • Dust your work surface with 40 g flour.
   • Add 20 ml cold water and 50 ml hot water to the dough. Mix well.
   • Shape the dough as desired.
6. Final Touches:
   • Beat 1 egg and brush it over the top of the dough.
   • Sprinkle 20 g white sesame seeds on top.
7. Baking:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Bake the bread for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Preparing the Sauce:
   • In a food processor, combine 200 g chickpeas, 20 ml olive oil, 10 g garlic, 3 g sweet paprika, 3 g turmeric, 15 ml lemon juice, and 3 g black pepper.
   • Blend until smooth.
9. Serving:
   • Serve the freshly baked bread with the chickpea sauce on the side.
   • Enjoy your delicious homemade bread!

Tips:

• Ensure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Allow the dough to rest and leaven in a warm, draft-free area.
• Adjust the seasoning of the chickpea sauce to your taste.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Leavening Time: 40 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Kcal: 200 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: 8 servings

 

Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:

Tips for Making the Best Sesame Bread and Chickpea Sauce

1. Proper Hydration: Ensure the water for the yeast is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
2. Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest and leaven in a warm, draft-free area to achieve the best rise.
3. Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning of the chickpea sauce to your taste preference. Add more lemon juice for tanginess or more garlic for a robust flavor.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs to the bread dough for an aromatic twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chickpea sauce for some heat.
3. Serving Ideas: Serve the bread and sauce with fresh vegetables, olives, or cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired platter.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The chickpea sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The bread can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):

• Calories: 200 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g

Possible Questions About This Recipe

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture and nuttier flavor.
2. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
   • Ensure the yeast is not expired and the water is the right temperature. Dough may take longer to rise in cooler environments.
3. Can I make the sauce without a food processor?
   • Yes, you can use a blender or mash the chickpeas by hand for a chunkier texture.
4. How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
   • Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking pan to prevent sticking.
5. Can I add other seeds to the bread?
   • Yes, you can mix in seeds like flax, chia, or sunflower for added texture and flavor.
6. Is it necessary to brush the bread with egg?
   • Brushing with egg gives the bread a glossy finish and helps the sesame seeds stick, but you can use milk or water as an alternative.
7. Can I make the bread dough in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
8. What if I don’t have sweet paprika?
   • Regular paprika or smoked paprika can be used as a substitute.
9. Can I use canned chickpeas?
   • Yes, canned chickpeas are convenient and work well in the sauce. Be sure to rinse and drain them before use.
10. How do I know when the bread is done?
    • The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) ensures it’s fully baked.

Conclusion

This Homemade Sesame Bread with Chickpea Sauce is a delightful and versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring this delicious recipe!