Semolina Sesame Braid
Sweet braided bread made with semolina and sesame, with a rich texture.
Ingredients
unbleached all-purpose flour (spoon flour into a dry-measure cup and level off)
2 cups
semolina flour
1/2 cup
salt
2 teaspoons
active dry yeast
2-1/2 teaspoons (1 envelope)
warm water (about 110°F (45°C))
1-1/4 cups
sesame seeds
2 tablespoons
cornmeal (for dusting pan)
to taste
Instructions
1
Step 1
Combine the flours and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and stir to mix evenly.
2
Step 2
Stir the yeast into the water, then add the flour mixture. Using a large rubber spatula, stir the liquid into the flour, mixing continuously until a rough dough forms with no dry flour remaining.
3
Step 3
Return the bowl to the mixer, attach the dough hook, and knead on low speed for about 3 minutes. Stop the mixer and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
4
Step 4
Restart the mixer on low speed and knead the dough until elastic, about 2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rest for 10 minutes.
5
Step 5
Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto a lightly floured work surface. Using a dough scraper, fold the dough over itself several times to make it smoother and more elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat the top with oil as well. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours, depending on room temperature.
6
Step 6
Once the dough has risen, scrape it from the bowl onto a lightly floured work surface. Without deflating it too much, shape the dough into a rough rectangle. Using a dough scraper or knife, divide the dough into 3 equal portions.
7
Step 7
Roll each portion of dough by hand into a rope about 16 inches (40 cm) long. Place the 3 ropes side by side, starting from the middle, alternately crossing the ropes over each other to form a braid. Pinch the two ends together and tuck them underneath. Flip the loaf over and repeat the braiding from the middle to the other end. Slide your hands under each end of the loaf and lift it onto the prepared baking sheet.
8
Step 8
Brush the surface of the loaf with water and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the moistened areas. Cover the braid with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
9
Step 9
About 20 minutes before the bread is done rising, place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
10
Step 10
Bake the bread until well risen, deep golden brown, and firm when pressed with a fingertip, about 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer the bread to a rack to cool.
