Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 400g (4 cups) white flour
• 5g (1 tsp) salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp corn flour
• 40g (2 tbsp) powdered milk
• 1 tsp liquid vanilla or 7g vanilla sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder (8g)
• 1 tbsp dried yeast (10g)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 450ml (3 cups) warm water

For the Filling:

• 1 peeled carrot, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, seeds removed, finely chopped
• 2 ham sausages or luncheon meat, finely chopped

For Topping:

• Black and white sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white flour, corn flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt, baking powder, and yeast. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add wet ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, vanilla (or vanilla sugar), and warm water to the dry mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the dough until it comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a small amount of warm water.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You should feel the dough becoming more pliable as you knead.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Chop the vegetables and sausages: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by finely chopping the peeled carrot, green chilies (with seeds removed for a mild flavor), and ham sausages (or luncheon meat).
2. Mix the filling: In a small bowl, mix the chopped carrot, chilies, and sausages. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough

1. Punch down the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
2. Add the filling: Gently knead the prepared filling (carrot, chilies, and sausage) into the dough. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Shape the dough: Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on the size of the bread you want to make. You can shape the dough into small rolls, a large loaf, or even flatbread shapes.
4. Prepare the baking tray: Grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper. Place the shaped dough pieces on the tray, leaving enough space between them to allow for further rising.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

1. Preheat the oven: While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Let the dough rise again: Cover the shaped dough pieces with a cloth and let them rest for another 15–20 minutes for a second rise.
3. Apply egg wash and sesame seeds: If you want a shiny, golden crust, brush the top of each dough piece with a beaten egg. Sprinkle the black and white sesame seeds generously on top.
4. Bake the bread: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on the outside. To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of a piece, and if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
2. Enjoy!: Serve the bread warm with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread. It pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or as a snack on its own.

Cooking Tips

• Use warm water: Ensure that the water used for the dough is warm (about 40–45°C or 105–115°F) but not too hot, as hot water can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
• Adjust spice level: If you prefer a spicier bread, you can leave the seeds in the green chilies or add more chili powder. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chilies or skip them altogether.
• Optional fillings: Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as olives, bell peppers, or different types of cheese.

Storage

• Room temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven before serving to restore its freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. To defrost, leave it at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour. However, the texture of the bread may be denser. For a lighter result, use a combination of whole wheat and white flour.

2. Can I skip the sesame seeds?

Yes, sesame seeds are optional. You can omit them or substitute them with other seeds like poppy seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds.

3. Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the eggs from the dough. However, the texture may be slightly different, and you can use a bit more water to make up for the liquid content.

4. What can I use instead of ham sausages?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ham sausages with plant-based sausage, tofu, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

5. How do I keep the bread soft for longer?

To keep the bread soft, store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to retain its moisture. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave to restore its softness.

Conclusion

This savory vegetable and sausage bread is not only delicious but also versatile. With its combination of soft, flavorful dough and a rich filling, it’s a great option for any meal or snack. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or save it for later, this homemade bread will become a household favorite. Give it a try, and experiment with different fillings to create your perfect version!