Panera Sesame Semolina Bread Recipe

Baking bread isn’t just a hobby; it’s an adventure. The smell wafting through your kitchen, the mix of anticipation and excitement while watching dough rise, and ultimately, the joy of slicing into a crusty loaf are all part of the magic.

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Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 35

Rest time: 2 30

Total Time: 3 35

Course: Bread

Cuisine: Sicilian-Italian

Servings: Servings

Calories: 1554kcal

Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

large bowl

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups semolina flour durum wheat
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast 8 grams
1 ⅓ cups lukewarm water
2 teaspoons raw honey
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and honey. This mixture activates the yeast, which is crucial for the dough to rise. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy.

Step 2: Mixing Ingredients

Once you see bubbles forming, it’s time to add the semolina flour, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and a tablespoon of olive oil into the bowl. Mix everything together until it starts forming a dough.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough. Knead it for about 10 minutes. You want it to become elastic and smooth. Kneading is vital as it creates the gluten structure that gives your bread its wonderful texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours. This step is critical for achieving that light, airy texture.

Step 5: Shaping the Loaf

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any air. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions for rolls. Make sure to place them seam side down on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped bread again and let it rise until doubled, usually another 30 to 60 minutes. This is your final rise and contributes to the bread’s fluffiness.

Step 7: Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, sprinkle the top with the toasted sesame seeds for that nice touch. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until you hear a hollow sound when tapping on the bottom.

Step 8: Cooling

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the steam to dissipate, ensuring a perfect texture.

Notes

Here are some handy tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly:

Use Lukewarm Water: Too hot or too cold water can kill the yeast or hinder its activation.
Knead Well: Proper kneading is necessary for developing gluten, which gives the bread structure.
Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow your dough time to rise. Rushing this step can leave your bread dense.
Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your bread in the last few minutes of baking.
Experiment with Seeds: Consider swapping sesame seeds with poppy seeds or sunflower seeds for variety.

Nutrition

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