Aromatic Whole Wheat Rosemary Bread
Homemade Whole Wheat Rosemary Bread Using Garden Herbs
The fragrant aroma of rosemary from my balcony today inspired me to bake. I harvested some fresh rosemary and crafted this delightful whole wheat bread infused with its essence. Taking a bite is pure bliss, enveloped in the uplifting scent of rosemary. Experience this unique aroma in your own kitchen!
Dough Ingredients
- 200g Bread Flour
- 100g Whole Wheat Flour
Aromatic and Flavorful Additions
- 5g Fresh Rosemary Leaves (stems removed)
- 30g Parmesan Cheese
- 5g Fresh Rosemary Leaves (stems removed)
- 30g Parmesan Cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh rosemary sprigs under running water and patting them completely dry. Carefully pluck the leaves from the stems; only the leaves will be used, so ensure all woody stems are removed. For an even distribution of flavor, you can finely chop the rosemary leaves.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour (200g) and whole wheat flour (100g). Add the sugar (20g) for a touch of sweetness, salt (3g) for flavor enhancement, Parmesan cheese (30g) for a savory note, and instant dry yeast (6g) to help the dough rise. Gently mix these dry ingredients together, being careful to keep the yeast from direct contact with the salt for now.
Step 3
Gradually pour in the warm milk (about 200ml or 1 cup) into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your hands to mix everything together until it starts to form a cohesive dough. It might seem a bit sticky or shaggy at first, but keep mixing until a rough ball of dough comes together.
Step 4
Once the dough has formed a cohesive mass, add the olive oil (30g), which will add richness and tenderness. Now, begin kneading the dough. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it over and repeat. Continue this process diligently.
Step 5
Knead the dough for about 15 minutes. You’ll notice it transforming from a rough mass into a smooth, elastic dough that stretches nicely without tearing easily. At this stage, incorporate the prepared rosemary leaves (and chopped leaves, if using). Continue kneading for another 5 minutes to ensure the rosemary is evenly distributed throughout the dough, releasing its wonderful aroma.
Step 6
Shape the dough into a smooth ball. Place the dough into a heat-resistant glass container with a lid, such as a Lock & Lock Glass Clear LLG855. This type of container is excellent for proofing as it maintains a consistent environment. Cover with the lid to begin the first proof (fermentation).
Step 7
In a warm environment, the dough should rise significantly, approximately doubling in size, within about 30 minutes. To check if the first proof is complete, gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
Step 8
Gently turn the proofed dough out onto a lightly floured surface and deflate it by pressing down softly. Divide the dough into portions of about 40g each and shape each piece into a small ball (round it up). Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and let them rest for 15 minutes. This intermediate proofing allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape later.
Step 9
After the intermediate proof, gently shape the dough balls again, degassing them slightly. Now, place the shaped dough into your chosen Lock & Lock Glass containers for the second proof. Cover with the lids.
Step 10
For this recipe, we’ll be using Lock & Lock Glass Clear, Euro, and Square containers. The advantage is that after the second proof, you can bake directly in these containers, eliminating the need for plastic wrap and contributing to eco-friendly baking. Continue the second proof until the dough has increased in size by about 1.5 times.
Step 11
Once the second proof is complete, bake the bread in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread is done when the crust is nicely browned and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying your aromatic rosemary bread!
