| Prep: 2 hrs 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 289 | 8g | 4g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 9g | 0.4g |
About Paunzen
There are very few things as heartwarming as a loaf of freshly baked bread. Today, we take a flavorful journey through the world of breadmaking with one of the most cherished varieties; the Paunzen. This delightful bread has its roots steeped in European culinary heritage, and is certain to become a favorite in your household once you’ve had the chance to relish it hot from your oven.
Historical Roots of Paunzen
Paunzen has long been an iconic staple in countless households and bakeries throughout old Europe. Typically, it’s prepared with simple household ingredients such as warm milk, active dry yeast, white sugar, bread flour, a smidge of salt, a couple of eggs, and some softened unsalted butter to give it that unique crumb structure. A paint of egg yolk right before it goes in the oven contributes to an appealing, golden-brown crust.
The bread’s rich lineage and humble ingredients have played a crucial role in maintaining its popularity. It keeps Paunzen comfortably familiar, yet leaves room for innovative adaptation. Paunzen is proof of the idea that simplicity is often the ultimate form of sophistication. For a detailed guide on how to bake the bread, you can try out this easy-to-follow guide from AllRecipes.com.
The Versatility of Paunzen
While Paunzen is a complete delight on its own, it combines beautifully with many other foods and dishes as well. This makes it an ideal choice whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or planning an elaborate dinner. As a relatively dense bread, Paunzen holds up well when used in bread puddings or French onion soup. It’s also perfect for sandwiches that need a bit of heft to the bread, such as a club sandwich or even a gourmet BLT.
Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced culinary artist, a loaf of warm, delicious Paunzen can mark a delightful addition to your menu. Its rich history, simple ingredients, and versatile application are an open invitation to experiment with its recipe or incorporate it into many of your favorite dishes. Happy baking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk for brushing
Method
Step One
Start by warming the milk to a lukewarm temperature, then add the active dry yeast. Stir slightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to froth, which shows that the yeast is active.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, bread flour, and salt. stir to mix them together.
Step Three
Create a well in the center of your flour mixture and add the two eggs and softened butter. Pour in the yeast and milk mixture as well. Begin to stir the wet ingredients into the dry until a dough begins to form.
Step Four
Place the dough on a well-floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step Five
Put the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and place it in a warm and draft-free area to rise. This process would take about 1 to 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step Six
After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air and divide it into small round loaves. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise again until they have doubled in size.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat the egg yolk in a small bowl, and gently brush the top of each loaf with this egg wash to get a beautiful golden color when it’s baked.
Step Eight
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let it cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade Paunzen!
