Pumpkin Seed Bread
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
o 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
o 1 cup (240ml) warm water (45°C)
o 2 tablespoons olive oil
o 2 tablespoons honey
o 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
o 1 teaspoon salt
o 1 cup (120g) pumpkin seeds (plus extra for topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
o In a small bowl, dissolve the honey in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
o In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
o Mix until the dough begins to come together. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
o Knead in the pumpkin seeds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. First Rise:
o Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bread:
o Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller pieces for individual rolls.
o Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.
4. Prepare for Baking:
o Preheat your Technika Oven to 220°C using the Steam Bake function. This function will create a humid baking environment that helps achieve a crisp, golden crust.
o Let the shaped dough rise, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly.
5. Add Pumpkin Seeds:
o Just before baking, brush the top of the dough with a little water or olive oil and sprinkle additional pumpkin seeds over the top.
6. Bake the Bread:
o Place the baking sheet or loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
o The steam bake function will ensure a moist crumb and a crisp crust.
7. Cool and Serve:
o Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
This recipe creates a delicious loaf with a crisp crust and a rich, nutty pumpkin seed flavour, perfect for any meal or as a satisfying snack.