Making milk bread with sesame is a wonderful way to enjoy a soft and fluffy bread with a subtle nutty flavor from the sesame seeds. Here’s a basic recipe for making Milk Bread with Sesame:
Ingredients:
For the Tangzhong (Starter):
- 1/3 cup bread flour
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Bread Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tangzhong (Starter):
- In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/3 cup of bread flour and 1 cup of whole milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick, gel-like paste. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Make the Bread Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the tangzhong (starter), 1/2 cup of whole milk, and softened butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Loaf:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into a greased loaf pan.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pans with a towel and let the dough rise for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until it reaches the top of the pans.
6. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Egg Wash and Sesame Topping:
- Brush the risen loaves with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
8. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool:
- Allow the milk bread to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy your homemade Milk Bread with Sesame! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or simply on its own.