Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we're delving into the realm of savory delights with a twist. I recently stumbled upon a culinary gem, and I couldn't wait to share it with you - Black Sesame Cheese Bread. 🍞🧀
This intriguing recipe, sourced from Cotta, marries the nutty richness of black sesame seeds with the creamy indulgence of cheese, all wrapped up in a soft, warm loaf of bread. The result? A delightful fusion of flavors that's perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish.
So, roll up your sleeves, get your apron on, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create this unique and savory bread.
Ingredients:
For the Black Sesame Paste:
- 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- A pinch of salt
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Bread Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Toast and Grind the Black Sesame Seeds:
- Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring frequently. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a food processor or a mortar and pestle.
2. Make the Black Sesame Paste:
- In a bowl, combine the ground black sesame seeds, honey, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until you have a smooth black sesame paste. Set it aside.
3. Prepare the Bread Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm milk and melted unsalted butter to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, roughly 12x18 inches (30x45 cm).
7. Spread the Black Sesame Paste:
- Evenly spread the prepared black sesame paste over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Add the Cheese Filling:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the black sesame paste.
9. Roll Up the Dough:
- Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
10. Cut and Arrange:
- Slice the rolled dough into individual buns, about 1-1.5 inches wide.
11. Bake to Perfection:
- Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let them rest for about 15-20 minutes to rise again while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown and the cheese is gooey and delicious.
12. Enjoy Warm:
- Serve your Black Sesame Cheese Bread warm, and savor the unique combination of nutty black sesame and cheesy goodness.
The result? A delightful fusion of flavors and textures that's bound to impress your taste buds. These buns are perfect as a snack, for sharing with friends, or as an accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. It's a savory twist on the traditional bread roll that will leave you craving more. Happy baking and happy munching! 🍞🧀