Filled, Baked Bread with Love: A Delicious and Heartwarming Treat

This filled, baked bread is a delightful creation that combines a soft, fluffy dough with a rich and flavorful filling. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this bread is packed with a mix of cheeses, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in a golden, sesame and cumin-studded crust. It’s a great option for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to complement any meal.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 400 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 200 ml milk, warmed
• 40 g olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 150 g grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
• 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Black cumin seeds (Nigella seeds) for sprinkling
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

Instructions:

Dough Preparation:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, olive oil, and the yeast mixture.
   • Mix the ingredients together until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Move the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually incorporate additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired texture.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has expanded to twice its original size.

Filling and Assembly:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese, crumbled feta, diced red and green peppers, and chopped fresh dill.
2. Shape the Dough:
   • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
   • Move the dough to a floured countertop and flatten it into a large rectangle, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
   • Spread the cheese and pepper filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll and Shape the Bread:
   • Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges as you go.
   • Once rolled, you can either leave it as a log or shape it into a ring by connecting the ends. Alternatively, you can cut the log into smaller rolls for individual servings.
4. Prepare for Baking:
   • Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with a towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. Egg Wash and Toppings:
   • In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a splash of water or milk. Apply an egg wash to the surface of the dough using a brush.
   • Sprinkle the top generously with black cumin seeds and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • If you’re baking smaller rolls, check them after 20 minutes, as they may bake faster.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
   • Enjoy warm as a comforting and delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Conclusion:

This filled, baked bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a labor of love that brings warmth and joy to any table. The soft, fluffy dough encasing a rich, cheesy filling, paired with the aromatic crunch of cumin and sesame seeds, makes for a delightful and satisfying experience. Serve this bread at your next family gathering or enjoy it as a special treat with your loved ones. Every bite is a taste of home, made with love.