Soft and Fluffy Bread with Chickpea Spread: A Delicious Pairing

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup warm water
• Extra flour, for kneading

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and warm water. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour as needed.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

1. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or rolls. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Cover and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
3. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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Creamy Chickpea Spread Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15-oz can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons water, for desired consistency

Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 2: Adjust Consistency

1. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, blending until the spread reaches your desired creaminess.

Step 3: Serve

1. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with paprika or chopped parsley if desired.

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Serving Suggestions

• Spread the chickpea spread generously on slices of the fluffy bread.
• Use the bread as a dipping vehicle for the chickpea spread, paired with fresh veggies like cucumber or carrot sticks.
• Turn it into a sandwich by adding fresh greens, tomatoes, and avocado on top of the spread.

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Nutritional Information

Bread (per slice, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 130
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg

Chickpea Spread (per 2 tablespoons)

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 90mg