We’ve always been captivated by the nutty richness of tahini, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine that’s perfect for elevating simple breads. Our Tahini Bread Recipe blends this sesame paste with everyday ingredients to create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether you’re a baking novice or a pro, this recipe offers a fresh twist on traditional breads. We love how it adds a healthy dose of nutrients while satisfying your cravings for something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
In our Tahini Bread Recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that blend the nutty richness of tahini with simple baking staples to create a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for any baker.
Dry Ingredients
- Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for even texture.
- Yeast: 1 packet (about 2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast, proofed in warm water for optimal rise.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, to feed the yeast and enhance sweetness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, for balancing flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- Tahini: ½ cup pure tahini paste, stirred until smooth to capture its creamy essence.
- Water: 1 cup warm water (around 110°F), measured precisely for activating yeast.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for adding moisture and a subtle fruity note.
- Egg: 1 large egg, beaten, to bind the dough and contribute to a tender crumb.
These ingredients, ordered as we incorporate them in the recipe, ensure a nutritious and versatile bread that highlights tahini’s distinctive taste.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Tahini Bread recipe to life, we need a selection of essential tools and equipment that ensure precise measurements, even mixing, and perfect baking. Building on the ingredients we’ve outlined, these items help us achieve a moist, flavorful loaf with minimal effort.
Basic Preparation Tools
We recommend the following tools for mixing and preparing the dough:
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for scooping and leveling dry ingredients like all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, as well as liquid components such as warm water and extra-virgin olive oil.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining wet ingredients—pure tahini paste, beaten egg, and oil—with dry ones to create a uniform dough.
- Whisk or wooden spoon: Essential for even blending of the active dry yeast and fine sea salt into the mixture, preventing lumps and ensuring activation.
Baking and Finishing Tools
For the baking process, gather these items to handle dough shaping and oven work effectively:
- Loaf pan or baking sheet: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for shaping the dough into a traditional bread form, promoting an even rise and golden crust.
- Oven thermometer: Helps verify that our oven reaches the precise temperature of 375°F, guaranteeing the bread bakes evenly without over-browning.
- Cooling rack: Allows the finished loaf to cool properly after baking, preserving its texture and preventing sogginess from trapped steam.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our Tahini Bread baking experience both efficient and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through crafting our flavorful Tahini Bread step by step. We’ll ensure each phase delivers a moist, nutty loaf that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Prep
Before we begin mixing, prepare your ingredients and workspace for efficiency. Start by measuring out 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and dissolving it in 1 cup of warm water (around 110°F) along with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar; let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready. Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of pure tahini paste with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 beaten egg until smooth and creamy—this step infuses the dough with tahini’s rich, nutty essence. Lightly grease a large mixing bowl and your loaf pan with oil to prevent sticking, and preheat your oven to 375°F for later use. Organize your dry ingredients—3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt—on your counter for easy access, ensuring everything is at room temperature for optimal texture.
Mix the Dough
With our ingredients prepped, we combine them to form a cohesive dough that captures tahini’s distinctive flavor. In the large mixing bowl, add the frothy yeast mixture to the tahini blend, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or whisk until a shaggy dough forms—the dough should feel slightly sticky yet elastic, releasing a warm, earthy scent. Transfer the mixture to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, using the heels of your hands to work in any remaining flour; this develops the gluten for a soft, springy texture that promises a tender crumb. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time; if too wet, sprinkle in more flour sparingly. Once kneaded, the dough will be smooth and pliable, ready for rising and evoking the comforting essence of fresh-baked bread.
Let it Rise
Now we allow the dough to rest and develop its full flavor and volume. Place the kneaded dough in the greased mixing bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil, then cover it loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm, draft-free spot—such as near a turned-off oven—and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size; the dough should feel light and airy when gently pressed, with the nutty aroma of tahini becoming more pronounced. For precise tracking, here’s a simple table of rising times based on common kitchen temperatures:
| Kitchen Temperature (°F) | Rising Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 70-75 | 1-1.5 |
| 75-80 | 0.75-1 |
| Above 80 | 0.5-1 |
This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy interior that enhances the bread’s versatility.
Shape and Bake
Finally, we shape and bake the dough to create a golden, crusty loaf bursting with tahini’s nutty taste. Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by rolling and tucking the edges under for a neat form—aim for an even shape that fits your greased loaf pan. Place the shaped dough in the pan, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped—the bread’s exterior will crisp up while the inside stays moist and flavorful, filling your home with a tantalizing, toasted scent. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing, ensuring the loaf sets perfectly for serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Tahini Bread recipe and fit it into busy schedules, we offer these practical steps for preparing components in advance. This approach ensures you maintain the bread’s nutty tahini flavor and moist texture while saving time on baking day.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
We recommend making the dough up to 24 hours in advance to allow flavors to develop fully. Here’s how:
- Activate and mix the dough: Follow the initial steps in our recipe to activate the yeast and combine all ingredients into a smooth dough. Once kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
- First rise in the refrigerator: Instead of letting the dough rise at room temperature, transfer the covered bowl to the refrigerator. This slow rise enhances the nutty tahini undertones and results in a more complex flavor profile. Chill for up to 24 hours – the dough will rise gradually and develop a firmer texture.
Storing and Thawing
For optimal freshness, proper storage is key. We advise these methods to preserve the dough’s quality:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Slows yeast activity, allowing deeper flavor infusion and easier handling the next day. |
| Freezer (for longer storage) | Up to 1 month | Prevents over-proofing; the dough retains its moisture for a fluffy, golden-brown crust when baked later. |
To thaw, remove the dough from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding to the second rise.
Baking from Make-Ahead Dough
When you’re ready to bake, the process is straightforward and yields the same irresistible results:
- Shape and second rise: Remove the dough from the refrigerator or after thawing, then shape it into a loaf as per our recipe. Allow it to rise at room temperature until it doubles in size – this typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the dough’s chill time.
- Bake as usual: Preheat your oven and bake the loaf until it’s golden brown with a enticing sesame aroma. In our tests, breads made from refrigerated dough often have a slightly more pronounced tahini taste, making them even more satisfying.
By following these instructions, we help you enjoy fresh, homemade Tahini Bread without the rush, ensuring every bite is as flavorful and comforting as if baked on the spot.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this tahini bread recipe and how it brings a nutty twist to your baking routine. It’s a simple way to add wholesome flavor that fits any meal.
Try baking it yourself—it’s sure to become one of our go-to loaves for its moist texture and versatility. You’ll discover the joy of homemade bread that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tahini bread?
Tahini bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that incorporates the nutty richness of tahini, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, with simple baking ingredients. It’s versatile, nutritious, and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, offering a fresh twist on traditional breads for a comforting, warm treat.
What ingredients are needed for tahini bread?
You’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt, plus wet ones such as tahini paste, warm water, olive oil, and a beaten egg. These high-quality components blend to create a nutty, flavorful loaf that’s easy to prepare.
What tools are required to make tahini bread?
Basic tools include measuring cups and spoons, a large mixing bowl, a whisk or wooden spoon, a loaf pan or baking sheet, an oven thermometer for accurate temperature, and a cooling rack. These essentials ensure proper mixing, rising, and baking for the best results.
How do I make tahini bread?
Start by activating the yeast and mixing wet ingredients like tahini. Combine with dry ingredients to form dough, knead until smooth, and let it rise. Shape into a loaf, allow a second rise, then bake at the recommended temperature until golden brown for a fluffy, nutty bread.
Can I prepare tahini bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Mix it, let it rise initially, then refrigerate for a slow rise that enhances flavor. When ready, shape, let it rise again, and bake for fresh, delicious results even with a busy schedule.
How should I store tahini bread?
Store baked tahini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to a month. Thaw frozen bread in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to maintain its moist texture and nutty flavor.