Homemade Bread Magic with Veggies sounds like a deliciously hearty and flavorful take on bread! Imagine a soft, fluffy bread with a surprise of tender, roasted vegetables mixed in—perfect for sandwiches, as a side, or just to enjoy on its own. Here’s a simple recipe to create vegetable-infused homemade bread with a magic twist!
Homemade Vegetable Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Bread Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute with whole wheat for a healthier version)
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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1 tsp sugar (to activate the yeast)
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1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C, not too hot)
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2 tbsp olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme, optional for extra flavor)
For the Vegetables:
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1 cup diced bell peppers (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color)
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1 cup diced zucchini
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1 small onion (diced)
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1 small carrot (shredded or finely diced)
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1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
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1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping (Optional):
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1 tbsp melted butter (to brush on top)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Veggies:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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On a baking sheet, toss the diced bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and carrot with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly caramelized. Stir once or twice to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Bread Dough:
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In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy (this ensures the yeast is active).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dried Italian herbs (if using).
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Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together, then knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.)
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Mix in the Roasted Vegetables:
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Gently fold in the roasted vegetables. You can either knead them into the dough for a marbled effect or just fold them in to keep some of the vegetable chunks intact.
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Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, depending on your preference.
4. Final Rise:
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Place the shaped dough into a lightly greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet for rolls. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes, until puffy.
5. Bake the Bread:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes (for a loaf) or 15-20 minutes (for rolls), or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
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If you’re baking a loaf, you can brush the top with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven to give it a glossy, flavorful finish.
6. Cool and Serve:
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Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
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Sandwiches: Use slices of this veggie bread for veggie sandwiches, grilled cheese, or even as a base for your favorite spreads and meats.
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Soup Companion: Serve it alongside a hearty soup like tomato bisque, butternut squash soup, or lentil soup.
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Snack: Enjoy a slice warm with some butter or olive oil for a simple snack.
Tips:
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Customize the Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes for different flavors and textures.
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Herbs & Spices: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor of the bread.
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Make It Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need the recipe to be gluten-free, though the texture will be slightly different.
This Homemade Bread Magic with Veggies is both healthy and delicious. The roasted veggies bring sweetness and flavor, and the soft, fluffy bread makes every bite a treat. Enjoy baking, and let me know if you’d like to explore more bread recipes or tweaks!