Spicy Yeast Loaf

Ingredients

• 1 cube fresh yeast (42 g)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 500 g wheat flour (Type 550)
• 250 g wheat flour (Type 1050)
• 1 tbsp dried herbs de Provence
• 2 tsp grated orange zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Shallot
• 1 Garlic clove
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can saffron (0.1 g)
• flour (for the work surface)
• 3 tbsp whipping cream

Instructions

1. 1.

   Whisk the yeast with the sugar into about 400 ml lukewarm water until smooth. In a bowl mix the two flours, herbs, orange zest and salt. Pour in the dissolved yeast and knead well with an electric hand mixer’s dough hooks until the dough releases from the bowl edges. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes until doubled.

2. 2.

   Peel and finely dice the shallot and garlic; sauté gently in hot oil over low heat until soft and golden brown. Stir in the saffron and allow to cool.

3. 3.

   Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (convection).

4. 4.

   Knead the dough again on a floured surface, folding in the shallot mixture. Divide into three parts and roll each into a ~50 cm long strand. Braid the strands into a loaf and press the ends together firmly. Place the braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with cream, and bake for about 50 minutes. Remove, let cool, then slice—great served with grilled items.