Introduction
Tear and share bread is a delightful and versatile recipe that invites everyone to gather around the table. This soft, fluffy bread is perfect for sharing and can be served with various dips, spreads, or enjoyed on its own. In this article, we will guide you through the ingredients, preparation time, cooking time, and the final yield of this delicious bread.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Flour: 500 grams of strong white bread flour
Yeast: 7 grams of instant yeast
Salt: 10 grams of sea salt
Water: 300 ml of lukewarm water
Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Honey: 1 tablespoon of runny honey
Herbs (optional): Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor
Prep Time
The preparation time for this tear and share bread is approximately 15 minutes, not including the proofing time for the dough.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including preparation, proofing, and cooking
Yield: This recipe makes one large round loaf, which can serve 8-10 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of strong white bread flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 10g dried yeast. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, make a well in the center and pour in 300ml of lukewarm water and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix together until it starts to form a dough.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Leave it in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and divide the dough into equal pieces (around 10-12). Shape each piece into a ball.
Arrange the Dough Balls
In a greased baking dish, arrange the dough balls close together. Make sure they are touching, as this helps them to rise together while baking.
Second Rise
Cover the baking dish with a damp cloth and allow the dough balls to rise again for about 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up significantly.
Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bake the Bread
After the second rise, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Regarding Flour
Using strong white bread flour will yield the best texture for this bread. You can experiment with different types of flours, but adjust the liquid as necessary.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to add herbs, cheeses, or garlic to the dough for additional flavors. Just make sure they are finely chopped and well distributed in the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This tear-and-share bread is perfect for sharing and can be served with dips, soups, or as a side to your main dishes.
Cook techniques
Kneading
Kneading is essential for developing gluten in the dough, which helps create a light and airy texture in the bread. It usually involves folding and stretching the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Proving
Proving allows the dough to rise and develop flavor. After kneading, cover the dough and let it sit in a warm place until it doubles in size, generally taking about 1 to 2 hours.
Punching Down
After the first proving, gently punch down the dough to release excess gas. This helps to redistribute the yeast and is a crucial step before shaping the dough.
Shaping
Shaping your dough is essential for creating the desired look and texture of your bread. This involves pinching, rolling, and forming the dough into the appropriate shapes before the second proving.
Baking
Baking requires preheating your oven to the right temperature and ensuring proper steam in the first few minutes of baking, which helps achieve a crisp crust. Check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf – it should sound hollow.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid and adding a bit more water to maintain the dough’s consistency.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can incorporate herbs, cheese, garlic, or olives into the dough to enhance the flavor of your tear-and-share bread.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
How should I store leftover bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I make this bread without yeast?
While traditional bread relies on yeast for rising, you can use alternatives like baking powder for quick breads, but the texture will differ.
Conclusion
The Tear and Share Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and a sense of togetherness. Its soft texture and customizable flavor options make it a perfect choice for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Enjoying this bread fresh out of the oven can elevate any dining experience, allowing you to create lasting memories around the table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb Infused Tear and Share Bread
Enhance the flavor of your bread by incorporating a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil into the dough for a fragrant and savory twist.
Cheese and Chive Tear and Share Bread
Mix in some grated cheese and freshly chopped chives to the dough. The result is a cheesy, flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with soups and salads.
Spicy Jalapeño Tear and Share Bread
Add diced jalapeños and a touch of cheddar cheese for a spicy kick, making it a fantastic accompaniment for BBQ dishes or flavorful dips.
Sweet Cinnamon Tear and Share Bread
Transform the bread into a sweet treat by incorporating cinnamon sugar into the dough, and adding a sweet glaze on top once baked for a delightful dessert option.
Garlic Butter Tear and Share Bread
Brush the dough with garlic butter before baking for an aromatic and indulgent experience. Serve it alongside pasta or as an appetizer.
Nutty Fruit Tear and Share Bread
Incorporate nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, and dried fruits like cranberries or apricots into the dough for a delightful sweet and nutty flavor combination, perfect for brunch.