Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack 2 eggs and whisk them until they are well-beaten. This will help create a light texture in the bread.
Add 1 glass of milk (or yogurt if you prefer a slightly tangier flavor) and mix it with the eggs until fully combined.
Pour in 1 small coffee cup of oil (about 60 ml) and stir. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or any neutral-flavored oil you have on hand.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Chop the herbs of your choice, such as parsley, spring onion, spinach, or purslane. You’ll need about a small handful, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste.
Add the chopped herbs to the egg, milk, and oil mixture.
Crumble the cheese (about 1 bowl or 100-150 grams). Feta or a similar soft, salty cheese works well, but you can use any cheese you prefer. Mix the cheese into the batter.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1 packet of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be thick but smooth, similar to a cake batter. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a baking dish or loaf pan with a little oil or butter to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle the black cumin and sesame seeds (1 tablespoon) evenly over the top of the batter. These seeds will add a beautiful texture and flavor to the crust of the bread.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check the bread at around 20 minutes to ensure it’s baking evenly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
After it has cooled slightly, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve the bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or even as a savory snack with butter or cream cheese.
Cooking Tips:
Cheese Options: Feta cheese works well because of its tangy flavor and crumbly texture, but you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, gouda, or even a soft goat cheese. Just be mindful of how salty the cheese is, as this will affect the overall seasoning of the bread.
Herb Variations: This recipe is highly adaptable, so use whichever fresh herbs you have on hand. Spinach, parsley, dill, and chives all work well. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can also be used—just reduce the amount by half since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds a bit of texture and slight sweetness to the bread. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can replace it with more flour or use polenta for a coarser texture.
Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to help the bread rise properly and create a fluffy texture. If your bread is dense, it might be due to old baking powder.
Additional Flavor: You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like black pepper, cumin, or paprika to the batter. You could also mix in extras like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers for more complexity.
Storage:
Room Temperature: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days. If the weather is warm, it’s best to refrigerate the bread to prevent it from spoiling.
Refrigeration: If you want to store the bread for longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it will last up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw the slices at room temperature or warm them in a toaster or oven.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Slices):
Calories: 220-250 kcal
Protein: 6-8 g
Fat: 12-14 g
Carbohydrates: 22-24 g
Fiber: 2-3 g
Sugar: 1-2 g
Sodium: 350-400 mg
This savory herb and cheese bread is a great source of protein, thanks to the eggs and cheese. The fresh herbs provide added nutrients, while the cornmeal gives it a good dose of fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement and contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best results.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs? If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. Just reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon for each herb, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
3. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, olive oil works wonderfully in this recipe, but you can also use melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil or sunflower oil if you prefer.
4. How do I know when the bread is done baking? The bread is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread looks like it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf? Absolutely! You can divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion:
This savory herb and cheese bread is a fantastic, versatile recipe that combines the freshness of herbs with the richness of cheese, all encased in a soft, fluffy bread with a crunchy black cumin and sesame seed topping. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be customized with various herbs, cheeses, and add-ins to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or alongside a hearty soup, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make and stores well, making it a convenient addition to your recipe collection!
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