This Tomato Basil Sherry Bread recipe is perfect for bread lovers who enjoy a flavorful twist. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of sherry adds a burst of taste to every bite. With a crisp crust and a soft interior, this bread is a wonderful accompaniment to meals or can be enjoyed on its own. It's also a great way to use up extra tomatoes from your garden. You'll be delighted by the aroma that fills your kitchen while this bread bakes to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sherry
- 2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Extra flour for dusting
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, salt, and sherry. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix well to form a soft dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air pockets. Roll it out into a rectangular shape with a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm).
- Sprinkle the diced tomatoes, basil, and black pepper evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Interesting Facts
The use of sherry in this bread adds a subtle complexity to the flavor profile.
You can customize this recipe by adding grated cheese or sliced olives for extra texture and taste.
Leftover slices of this bread can be toasted and used for bruschetta or sandwiches.
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.