Croatian Paprika Bread with Lard

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 30g (2 tbsp) paprika 30g (2 tbsp) paprika
• 50g (3.5 tbsp) lard 50g (3.5 tbsp) lard
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
• 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp garlic powder

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. 2.
   Add the lard to the dry ingredients and mix until the lard is evenly distributed.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the warm water while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Let the dough rest for another 15 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Paprika — Use high-quality Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.
• Lard — Make sure the lard is at room temperature before adding it to the dough to ensure easy mixing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
• Serve the bread warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.
• This bread is perfect for making sandwiches or toasting for breakfast.

Serving advice

Serve the Paprika Bread with Lard as a side dish with soups, stews, or grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed on its own with a spread of butter.

Presentation advice

Slice the Paprika Bread with Lard into thick slices and arrange them on a wooden cutting board. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and serve with a rustic bread basket.