Culture

My flat “Star Whores” had a potluck for May the Fourth, Star Wars day. As well as supplying Sangria and Pimms, I thought I would contribute some fresh made bread for starters. I totally froth over bread baskets. 

This dough recipe is so easy to make because it has very minimal prep. The technique of the twist is straight out of a commercial bakery. I would recommend making this for casual baking or if you had to bring something to share at a gathering. It’s really versatile for fillings as you can make it sweet or savoury. 

Usually when I make this I split the dough into two and make a Nutella one and a garlic, herb and cheese one. I’ll leave it up to you to put your own spin on it!

Ingredients

• 2 1/₄ cups of flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of active yeast
• 1/₂ teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• ³/₄ cup of warm water 

Filling Ideas: Nutella! Or a layer of butter with cinnamon and sugar. For a savoury option, try pesto or butter + any combination of cheese, garlic, herbs, onions, peppers, marmite, ham…

Method

1. In a medium bowl, mix water, sugar and yeast, cover for 10-15 minutes.
2. Add oil to yeast mixture and stir.
3. In a large bowl add flour and salt, mix well then add yeast mixture.
4. Knead for 10 minutes. Dough should be smooth and not sticky.
5. Cover dough with wet kitchen towel, keep in warm place to double in size, should take an hour and half.
6. Flour a flat surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into large rectangle about 1cm thick. 
7. Spread desired fillings generously leaving a centimetre around the edge.
8. Roll tightly from the longer side, Pinch the ends to close.
9. Leaving one end intact cut the log down the middle with a knife. Twist each side upwards for the filling to be seen.
10. Braid by twisting one-half over the other. You can leave it as is, or make the two ends meet like ring. 
11. Let the dough rest for 20 mins. Preheat oven to 180C.
12. Place dough on a lined baking tray. You can brush it with milk or beaten egg so it comes out golden. 
13. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bread has browned at the edges.