This unique and long-forgotten recipe combines yeast with rice to create a delicious and surprising bread. The addition of rice gives the bread a wonderful texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Follow these simple steps to make this unique bread at home and enjoy a slice of history with every bite.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of rice
- 3 cups of water
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of yeast
- 3 cups of flour
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly and add it to a saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is just lukewarm (not hot). Add the sugar and yeast to the milk, stirring until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, salt, and vegetable oil. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased bread pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Conclusion
This yeast and rice bread is a delightful and unique addition to any meal. The combination of yeast and rice creates a bread with a wonderful texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Enjoy this delicious bread on its own, with butter, or as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite dishes. Happy baking!