Slovenian-style Pan de Cruz

Ingredients

In this Slovenian adaptation of Pan de Cruz, we incorporate Slovenian herbs and spices to infuse the bread with unique flavors. Additionally, we use locally sourced ingredients from Slovenia to give the dish an authentic Slovenian touch. We alse have the original recipe for Pan de Cruz de Ciudad Real, 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
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp honey
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, stirring well until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle some dried herbs on top.
9. 9.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Dried herbs — If you have access to fresh Slovenian herbs, feel free to use them instead of dried herbs. Adjust the quantity accordingly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Slovenian flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Slovenian honey to the dough.
• Serve the bread warm with Slovenian honey or a traditional Slovenian spread for an authentic experience.
• Experiment with different combinations of Slovenian herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.

Serving advice

Slovenian-style Pan de Cruz is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve it as a side dish with traditional Slovenian soups, stews, or roasted meats. It also pairs well with Slovenian cheeses and charcuterie.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional dried herbs on top of the bread before baking. Serve the bread on a wooden cutting board or a rustic bread basket for a charming Slovenian touch.