| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 1 hour | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 283 | 3.3g | 0.5g | 56g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 3g | 8g | 0.6g |
There’s something truly special about this Artisan Bread with Dill Seed recipe, made more magical by the tangy bite of mixed dried fruits. As someone who grew up with the savory flavors of New England seafood and hearty Irish comfort food, this particular recipe finds a way to tap into my culinary roots and the cherished family traditions, passed down through generations, embarking onto the path of creating something delicious yet different.
Accompanied by this warm memory is an image of a fresh-baked, golden loaf of Artisan Bread with Dill Seed, the visual resonating with the harmony of my heritage and love for cooking itself:
The Multicultural Eat of New England
New England, quite famous for its seafood, surprisingly also happens to have a thriving bread culture. This might sound astonishing given the oceanic surroundings I grew up in. But I tell you, nothing beats the delight of snuggling up on a freezing Boston evening with a slice of warm homemade bread, especially when it’s made with your own hands.
The Echo of An Endless Love Story
This Artisan Bread with Dill Seed has one more thing that binds to my heart. It reminds me of the very first time I baked with Laura, my better half now. The happiness of creating something together, and then the collective anticipation, while waiting for the bread to bake, brims with love. The resulting golden crusty loaf, fragrant and scrumptious, tasted like an emblem of our blossoming love, and needless to say, my little baby boy adores it too.
Despite the nostalgia, this is not only about personal sentiments. There are some healthful implications of the recipe that I’d like to point out.
Formidably Healthy, Deliciously Tasty
Alongside bringing distinctive flavors to each bite, dill seed, the heart of this recipe, offers various health benefits. According to Healthline, dill seeds can aid digestion, help in controlling cholesterol level and may even offer anti-bacterial properties. Additionally, the dried fruits in our recipe provide a good dose of antioxidants and fiber.
Lastly, in terms of pairing, this bread goes beautifully with a bowl of hot chowder, or even alongside a classic Irish stew. It’s also chunky enough on its own for a satisfying afternoon snack. This is the beauty of Artisan Bread with Dill Seed, it speaks the universal language of flavor and wholesomeness, making it hard to resist for anyone and everyone, turning a simple family recipe into a world-class cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of warm water
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1.5 tablespoons of sugar
- 3.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of dill seeds
- 1 cup of mixed dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil for brushing the dough
Method
Step One:
Begin by mixing the warm water and sugar in a large bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
Step Two:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and dill seeds. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Three:
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, slowly add in the flour mixture. Stir until all of the flour is incorporated and a sticky dough forms. Next, fold in your mixed dried fruits.
Step Four:
Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn out the dough. You’ll need to knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step Five:
Next, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl cover it with a clean towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Six:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush the dough with the olive oil, then bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread has turned a golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap on it.
Step Seven:
Fine tune your baking by using a skewer. If it comes out clean, your bread is done. If not, give it a few more minutes. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Artisan Bread with Dill Seed!
