There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. This quick bread recipe, with its light and fluffy texture, is perfect for those who love the combination of savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Infused with the freshness of spinach and the mild spice of green onions, this bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is simple to follow and will leave you with a delightful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Milk: 3/4 cup (200 ml)
- Sugar: 1 ½ tbsp (20 g)
- Yeast: 2 ¼ tsp (7 g)
- Flour: 3 cups (370 g)
- Egg: 1 large
- Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
For the Filling:
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (100 g)
- Spinach: 2 cups, roughly chopped (50 g)
- Parmesan: 1/2 cup, grated (50 g)
- Green Onions: 2 tbsp, finely chopped (10 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1 large
Tools Required:
- Baking Tray: Size 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm. Pour it into a mixing bowl and dissolve the sugar in it.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and the activated yeast mixture.
- Add one egg and mix well until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach mixture with Parmesan, green onions, and one egg. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle that fits your 20 x 20 cm baking tray.
- Spread the spinach filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then place it seam-side down in the greased baking tray.
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 15 minutes.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Once the dough has risen slightly again, bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm as a side dish with soup or salad.
- Enjoy as a savory breakfast option with a poached egg on top.
- Pair with a spread of cream cheese or herbed butter for added flavor.
- Use slices of the bread for sandwiches, particularly with grilled vegetables or cheese.
Cooking Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure that the milk is not too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chew.
- Let it Rise: Be patient during the rising process. Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and green onions enhance the flavor of the bread. Avoid overcooking the spinach to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Benefits
This quick bread is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a source of several health benefits:
- Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, spinach is a superfood that supports bone health and boosts immunity.
- Onions and Garlic: Both are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to heart health and improved digestion.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a good dose of protein and calcium, essential for strong bones and muscles.
Dietary Information
- Contains Dairy, Gluten, and Eggs: For those with dietary restrictions, consider alternatives:
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk alternative and dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
- Vegan: Replace the egg in the dough with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a vegan cheese substitute.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, approx. 1/10 of the loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Toast or warm in the oven before serving to refresh.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Bread can dry out in the fridge, so it’s best to store at room temperature or freeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, a side dish with soup, or as a savory breakfast option.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Combines the health benefits of greens with the indulgent taste of freshly baked bread.
- Customizable: Adapt the filling to include your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile staple in your baking repertoire.
Conclusion
Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience, and this quick bread with spinach and green onions is no exception. Its fluffy texture and savory filling make it an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a quiet evening at home, this bread is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious results that come with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the activation step and add it directly to the flour.
- Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
- Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms for a more varied filling.
- Can I make this bread gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for yeast bread.
- How do I make this bread dairy-free?
- Replace regular milk with a plant-based milk alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
- Can I freeze the dough instead of baking it immediately?
- Yes, after the first rise, shape the dough, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before the second rise.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
- You can use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, or for a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast.
- How do I prevent my bread from being too dense?
- Make sure to knead the dough well and allow enough time for it to rise properly.
- Can I bake this bread in a different size pan?
- Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will result in a flatter loaf.
- Can I make mini rolls with this dough?
- Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions, fill, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.