Curried Up Bread: A Spicy Twist On A Classic

Curried bread, a delightful fusion of Indian spices and European baking techniques, has captivated taste buds worldwide. Today, we embark on a culinary journey to elevate this classic dish, transforming it into a masterpiece that celebrates the harmony of diverse flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Bread Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon instant yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup warm water

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Curry Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch piece of ginger, grated

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup vegetable broth

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup chopped spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Image Source: justonecookbook.com

Preparation Process:

Making the Bread Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Curry Filling:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 30 seconds more.
4. Pour in vegetable broth, chickpeas, and spinach. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece of dough into a circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
4. Place a generous spoonful of curry filling in the center of each dough circle.
5. Bring the edges of the dough together to form a pouch, pinching the edges to seal.
6. Place the filled pouches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the tops of the pouches with olive oil.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Total Time Required:

Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Serving Ideas:

Elegant Presentation: Serve the curried bread on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.

Comfort Food: Pair the bread with a side of creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil stew.

Flavorful Feast: Accompany the bread with a refreshing cucumber raita and a spicy mango chutney.

A Symphony of Cultures

This curried bread recipe is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It draws inspiration from the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, the comforting warmth of European baking traditions, and the fresh, healthy elements of Mediterranean cooking. By blending these diverse influences, we create a dish that is both familiar and exotic, satisfying and invigorating.