Imagine a loaf of bread, not just any bread, but a testament to centuries of culinary tradition. A bread that whispers tales of ancient civilizations, a bread that marries the familiar with the exotic. This is the story of our culinary creation, a dish that pays homage to the biblical recipes for bread while embracing the diverse flavors of the world.
Ingredients:
For the Bread Base:
1 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3 1/2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Ezekiel Bread (Ezekiel 🙂
Image Source: sndimg.com
For the Filling:
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
Preparation Process:
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Shape the Loaf:
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side.
Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends underneath.
Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan.
4. Second Rise and Baking:
Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the loaf with the egg-milk mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Ideas:
Elegant Presentation: Slice the loaf and arrange on a platter with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Hearty Meal: Serve the bread with a side of roasted vegetables and a glass of red wine.
breakfast Delight: Toast the bread and top with avocado, poached eggs, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Cultural Influences:
This recipe is a fusion of ancient and modern culinary traditions. The bread base is inspired by biblical recipes, while the filling draws inspiration from Mediterranean flavors. The feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil are staples of Greek cuisine, while the olive oil is a common ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes.
The result is a dish that is both familiar and exotic, a testament to the power of culinary creativity. It is a dish that celebrates the diversity of human culture and the enduring appeal of good food.
