Tomato Basil Bread - by Hand or Bread Machine

Brandess's Note:

This breads' chewy crust pairs well with a steaming mug of soup. The pretty color and robust flavor are a great pairing with chicken or turkey cold cuts or a summer tomato sandwich. I use this basic recipe in my bread machine using the dough cycle; following my bread machines instructions. I then bake it in the oven. I also omit the red pepper flakes and, at times, omit the Parmesan cheese and replace it with an additional 1/4 cup of flour. Be careful and add additional flour a little at a time depending on the humidity in your kitchen.

• Total Time: 37 mins
• Prep Time: 2 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 16

Yield: 1.0 Loaf

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 )
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, minced (substitute with 2 tablespoons dried)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 1/2-2 3/4 cups bread flour

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in basil, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, sugar, oil, salt, pepper flakes and 2 cups flour. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down; knead for 1 minute. Shape into a round loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. With a sharp knife, cut a large "X" in top of loaf. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.

Reviews

[Potluck]

I made this recipe to go with a turkey sandwich recipe I wanted to try also..OMG this was so good the sandwich was fab..I made to loaves,one I gave to my daughter..I used 1/4 tsp total ,used my KA for mixing and kneading otherwise followed recipe exactly...What a great sandwich bread,or even with a hearty soup..I will definitely be making this again. I recommend trying #116193 bacon turkey bravo to go with this bread, delish..Thank U......

[Fairy Nuff]

Great bread Brandess! First off I used whole wheat flour so of course my results will be a bit different. That being said I did end up with a wonderful flavoursome loaf that accompanied Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup very well.. I made your recipe in a stand mixer and added an additional 1 cup of flour after step one. The rising time was longer due to the type of flour and the weather. I did use the crushed red pepper flakes and next time will add at least a teaspoon. I also brushed the outside with cold water before and during cooking to get a lovely crisp crust. Thank you for the recipe.

[anamlupus]

I used fresh cherry tomatoes from my garden in place of the tomato paste, I boiled off the skin and finely chopped up about 4 tablespoons of them. I also used the fresh basil out of my garden for this. Other that that I followed the recipe as written. The bread was wonderful. It did not last long. :)