Nouvelle Karydopsomo: Walnut Bread with a Modern Twist

Ingredients

In this Nouvelle Karydopsomo recipe, we have incorporated the principles of Nouvelle cuisine to elevate the traditional Greek walnut bread. The bread is lighter and airier, with a more delicate crumb. We have also added a hint of citrus zest and a touch of modern spices to enhance the flavor profile. The presentation is refined, with a golden crust and visible walnut specks. We alse have the original recipe for Karydopsomo, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) walnuts, finely chopped 1/2 cup (60g) walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, chopped walnuts, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, orange zest, and lemon zest.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, honey, and olive oil.
4. 4.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
9. 9.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Toast the walnuts before chopping them to enhance their flavor and add a subtle nuttiness to the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange or lemon extract to the dough.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger to create your own unique twist on this modern walnut bread.
• Serve the bread warm with a drizzle of honey or a spread of creamy goat cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the amount of honey to your liking.
• This bread is best enjoyed within a day or two of baking. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Serving advice

Serve slices of Nouvelle Karydopsomo as an elegant accompaniment to a cheese platter or as a delightful addition to a brunch spread. It pairs beautifully with a variety of spreads, such as fig jam or whipped honey butter.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts on top of the loaf before baking. Once cooled, slice the bread diagonally to showcase the beautiful texture and specks of walnuts.