Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

AmericanAuthentic Cuisine

American Seed Loaf

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegan, Breads & Pastry

American Seed Loaf

American Seed Loaf finds its roots in the heart of American home cooking, where the art of bread-making is an everyday craft. This loaf is crafted with a mindful hand, a nod to the tradition of measuring salt by touch and embracing the liberal use of fat. It's a staple that graces the table when the family gathers, turning any meal into a shared experience.

Expect a thick, crusty exterior that gives way to a tender, airy crumb, dotted with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds. This loaf offers a harmonious balance of savory and subtle nuttiness, making it the perfect companion to a hearty stew or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter.

Ingredients

  • 500 gflour
  • 7 gyeast
  • 300 mlwater
  • 2 tbspsesame seeds
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g of flour, 7 g of yeast, and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Gradually add 300 ml of water while stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together. This ensures the yeast is evenly distributed and the dough is hydrated.
  2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it by pressing it down with the heel of your hand, folding it over, and turning it. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving the loaf its structure.
  3. Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should feel soft and airy when gently pressed.
  4. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then folding the sides in and rolling it up tightly. Place the loaf seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). While the oven heats, brush the top of the loaf with water and sprinkle 2 tbsp of sesame seeds evenly over the surface. This adds a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the crust.
  6. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The loaf is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This indicates that the interior is fully baked.
  7. Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and allows the crumb to set properly.
  8. Serve the American Seed Loaf warm with your meal. The loaf should have a tender crumb and a crisp crust, perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore American cuisine