Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the vibrant scents of ripe tomatoes and fragrant parsley. Welcome to the world of Tomato and Parsley Bread—an Italian-inspired masterpiece that will elevate your culinary game and impress your family and friends! This easy-to-follow recipe combines the warmth of homemade bread with the freshness of garden ingredients, making it the perfect addition to any meal or a stand-alone treat. Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- While the yeast is activating, prepare your ingredients. If using fresh tomatoes, dice them into small pieces. Chop the fresh parsley finely and set aside.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need to use all the flour, depending on the humidity and the flour's absorption rate.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Once kneaded, flatten the dough slightly and fold in the diced tomatoes and chopped parsley. Knead gently for another minute to evenly distribute the tomatoes and parsley throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your freshly baked Tomato and Parsley Bread as a delicious side or as a base for sandwiches!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. If not, high-quality canned tomatoes can work wonders too—just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your dough.
- Knead for Success: Don’t rush the kneading process! Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives your bread its structure.
- Perfect Rising Conditions: To create the ideal environment for your dough to rise, place it in a warm, draft-free spot. You can even turn your oven on for a minute to warm it slightly, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other herbs or spices that you love! A sprinkle of garlic powder or some dried oregano can enhance the flavor profile of your bread.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done! This is a classic trick that helps ensure you don’t end up with undercooked bread.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or slice and freeze it for longer storage.
- Serve with Style: This bread pairs beautifully with olive oil for dipping, or as a base for bruschetta. Get creative with your serving ideas!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
