Golden Maize Bread

This delightful maize bread is a perfect addition to any festive table. With its unique shape and golden hue, it's not only visually appealing but also boasts a soft and fluffy texture with a slightly crispy crust. The subtle sweetness paired with the distinct taste of maize creates a one-of-a-kind flavor experience. Whether you're serving it as a side or enjoying it as a standalone snack, each bite promises a light and airy sensation. This bread is not only about taste but also about the process, turning a few simple ingredients into something special. Perfect for gatherings, its enchanting aroma will fill your home, inviting everyone to savor it. Let this recipe guide you through creating a visually stunning and delectably soft bread. The whole family will love it, making it a staple in your home-cooked recipe collection. Get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary creation that perfectly blends tradition with flavor!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 135 ml milk
• 12 g fresh yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• 50 g butter or margarine + about 30 g more for spreading
• 300 g flour
• 1 tablespoon oil for greasing the dish
• 1 egg

Preparation Time

• Total: 120 minutes
• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start the Dough: Heat half of the milk until it's warm, then dissolve the yeast and half of the sugar in it. Warm the remaining milk and melt the butter in it.
2. Blend Ingredients: Beat the egg lightly with the salt and remaining sugar. Combine the two milk mixtures and stir in the egg.
3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add flour to the mixture along with the turmeric to achieve a uniform color and texture.
4. Knead Dough: Knead the dough until smooth, then place it in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
5. Let Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Roll Out: Roll the dough into a rectangle; the size depends on your baking dish. A general size is 40cm by 17cm.
7. Divide Dough: Cut the dough vertically into eight pieces, resulting in pieces around 17cm long and 5cm wide.
8. Butter Up: Melt 30g of butter and brush each dough piece with it.
9. Fold & Shape: Fold the outer edges of each piece to the center, brush them again with butter, and then fold in half. Folding can be customized to your preference.
10. Prepare Baking Dish: Arrange the folded dough pieces in a buttered baking dish with the open edge facing down. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place.
11. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
12. Final Rise & Butter: After the second rise, brush the dough with the remaining butter.
13. Bake: Bake the bread for roughly 20 minutes or until it's beautifully golden.
14. Cool & Remove: Let the bread cool slightly before removing it from the baking dish.
15. Enjoy the Result: This maize bread provides an exquisite visual and tasting experience with its gentle color and elegant aroma.
16. Serve: Perfect for a special occasion, the bread's mild flavor and unique softness pair wonderfully with various dishes.

Tips

• Substitution: Margarine can be used instead of butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
• Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly to keep them fresh for up to two days.
• Reheating: Gently warm the bread in the oven at a low temperature to refresh its texture.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per slice
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fats: 8g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of paprika or pepper for a subtle kick.
• Herbs and Seeds: Incorporate herbs like rosemary or seeds like sesame for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple olive oil dip or a tangy cheese spread.
• Pair with hot soups or stews for a comforting meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance visual appeal.

Best Places

1. Maize Bliss Cafe - Renowned for its maize-inspired dishes, offering a unique twist on classic recipes. Location: 123 Artisan St, San Francisco, USA.
2. The Golden Grill - Famous for its inventive maize bread creation paired with delicious side dips. Location: 456 Foodie Blvd, London, UK.
3. Cornfield Delight - Offers a rustic atmosphere with a menu focusing on corn-based delicacies. Location: 789 Aroma Ave, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
4. Gourmet Heritage - Blends traditional recipes with modern techniques for a memorable maize bread experience. Location: 101 Flavor Rd, Paris, France.
5. Sunny Farmhouse Restaurant - Enjoy homemade maize bread with a farm-to-table ethos. Location: 202 Countryside Ln, Sydney, Australia.
6. Maize Marvels Bistro - Celebrated for its vibrant menu and delightful maize flavors. Location: 303 Culinary Dr, Cape Town, South Africa.
7. Baker's Corner - Offers a warm and welcoming environment perfect for bread enthusiasts. Location: 404 Eatery St, Dublin, Ireland.
8. Rustic Grain - Perfect for those who appreciate artisanal baking and maize innovation. Location: 505 Gourmet Sq, New York, USA.
9. Savory Slices - Known for its creativity and dedication to maize in various forms. Location: 606 Artisan Row, Rome, Italy.
10. Homestead Bakery - Brings the countryside to the city with its charming and wholesome maize dishes. Location: 707 Country St, Cape Town, South Africa.