This soft and fluffy bread recipe, paired with a delicious and healthy chickpea spread, is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack, this combination is sure to satisfy. The bread is light and airy, while the chickpea spread is flavorful and packed with nutrients. Best of all, both are easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Preparation Time
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rest time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 400 ml (14 fl oz) warm water
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) warm milk
- 10 g (0.4 oz) sugar
- 30 ml (1 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 8 g (0.3 oz) yeast
- 850 g (30 oz) flour
- 150 g (5.3 oz) soft butter
For the Chickpea Spread:
- 200 g (7 oz) chickpeas
- 100 g (3.5 oz) red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 30 ml (1 fl oz) olive oil
- 70 ml (2.4 fl oz) water
- 5 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.2 oz) sweet paprika
Directions
For the Bread:
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, vegetable oil, and yeast. Let the mixture hydrate for 10 minutes.
Make the Dough: 2. Gradually add the flour to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Once the dough comes together, let it rest for 10 minutes.
Add the Butter: 3. Incorporate the soft butter into the dough until it is fully absorbed. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: 4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Bake: 5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Shape the dough into desired forms (loaves, rolls, etc.) and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
For the Chickpea Spread:
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a pan, sauté the chopped red bell pepper and minced garlic in a little bit of olive oil over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Blend the Ingredients: 2. In a blender or food processor, combine the sautéed vegetables, chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and sweet paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the bread warm with the chickpea spread on the side.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light lunch.
- Use the chickpea spread as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the water and milk are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the bread dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bread: Provides carbohydrates for energy and essential nutrients from the milk and butter.
- Chickpea Spread: Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from the chickpeas and olive oil.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the bread gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Storage
- Bread: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Chickpea Spread: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a versatile and satisfying meal option.
- Easy to make with common ingredients.
- Packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Suitable for various dietary needs with simple substitutions.
Conclusion
Enjoy the combination of soft, fluffy bread with a creamy, flavorful chickpea spread. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Bon appétit!