Parsi-style Spiced Bread

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Pain de mie is infused with Parsi flavors by incorporating a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices add a unique twist to the bread, giving it a distinct Parsi character. Additionally, the bread is slightly sweeter compared to the original, reflecting the Parsi preference for a touch of sweetness in their baked goods. We alse have the original recipe for Pain de mie, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) sugar 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs 2 eggs

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased bread pan.
6. 6.
   Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cardamom — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom pods instead of pre-ground cardamom. Crush the pods and remove the seeds, then grind them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough before baking.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preference.
• Serve the bread warm with a spread of butter or jam for a delightful breakfast treat.
• This bread also makes excellent French toast. Dip slices of the bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract, then cook on a griddle until golden brown on both sides.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Parsi-style Spiced Bread as a standalone snack, or pair it with a cup of Parsi chai (tea) for a delightful tea-time experience. It can also be enjoyed as a side with Parsi-style curries or stews.

Presentation advice

Slice the bread into thick slices and arrange them on a platter. Dust the slices with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Alternatively, serve the whole loaf on a breadboard, allowing guests to slice it themselves for a rustic presentation.