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Here’s a delightful recipe for Colorful Vegetable Bread! This bread is not only visually striking, thanks to the vibrant colors of the vegetables, but it also offers a tasty and nutritious addition to your meal. With a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and spinach, this bread is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Bread Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Vegetable Mixture:
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped (or kale)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetable Mixture:
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, grated carrots, and spinach (or kale). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the vegetable mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy (this activates the yeast).
- Add the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using) to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
3. Incorporate the Vegetables:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Add the sautéed vegetable mixture into the dough and gently knead it into the dough until the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- You may need to add a little more flour if the dough becomes too soft due to the moisture from the vegetables.
4. Shape and Second Rise:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a loaf pan with a bit of olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Cover the pan and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the top of the pan.
5. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the top with a bit of olive oil after baking.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve!
Tips:
- Add More Veggies: You can get creative and add other vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even peas for more color and flavor.
- Herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the bread.
- Make It Vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but be sure to use a dairy-free oil (like olive or coconut oil) if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.
- Storage: The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This Colorful Vegetable Bread is a beautiful and tasty way to enjoy vegetables in your bread. Its vibrant colors make it a perfect addition to any meal or even as a stand-alone snack. Enjoy!