Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

ThaiAuthentic Cuisine

Thai Seed Loaf

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegan, Breads & Pastry

Thai Seed Loaf

Thai Seed Loaf, a staple often found on the tables of Thai homes, is a reflection of the country's love for sharing and abundance. This is not a dish you'll find in bustling markets or tourist eateries; it belongs to the intimate setting of family meals, where ingredients are measured by feel rather than scale. The recipe captures the essence of Thai home cooking — salt is judged by hand, and fat is used generously, ensuring each loaf is as unique as the cook who prepares it.

The loaf itself is a symphony of textures and flavors, with a crust that crackles under your fingers and a soft, airy crumb within. The sesame seeds add a nutty depth that complements the subtle tang from the yeast. As you tear into the loaf, expect a gentle chew and a flavor that balances the delicate with the robust, making it a perfect companion to any meal or a comforting bite on its own. This is bread meant for sharing, every piece a small celebration of the simple joys of home.

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, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but come together into a cohesive mass.
  2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by pressing down with the heels of your hands, folding it over, and turning it 90 degrees. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You'll know it's ready when it springs back when pressed lightly with a finger.
  3. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
  4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it into a tight cylinder. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sesame seeds over the top, pressing them gently into the dough to adhere.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place the shaped loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rest for about 15 minutes while the oven heats up, allowing it to rise slightly again.
  6. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The sesame seeds should be lightly toasted and fragrant.
  7. Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Let it cool completely to allow the crumb to set properly, which will make slicing easier.
  8. Serve the Thai Seed Loaf warm, slicing it just before serving to retain its freshness. It's perfect for sharing at the table, complementing a variety of Thai dishes.
Cover of Authentic Thai Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Thai Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Thai cuisine