1. Prepare the Bread Dough
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Bake the Bread
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls as desired.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Cover with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
3. Prepare the Chickpea Spread
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, olive oil, tahini (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Process: Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water or additional olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Serve
- Spread on Bread: Slice the cooled bread and spread the chickpea mixture on top.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or store the bread and spread separately in airtight containers. The chickpea spread can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Success
- Bread Dough: Ensure the yeast is active by checking for froth. If it doesn’t froth, the yeast may be old or the water too hot.
- Chickpea Spread: For a smoother spread, process the chickpeas thoroughly. Adjust the flavors to your liking with more lemon juice or spices.
- Bread Texture: For extra soft bread, you can add a bit of milk or buttermilk to the dough.
Variations
- Herb Additions: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the bread dough for extra flavor.
- Spicy Spread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chickpea spread for some heat.
- Nutty Flavor: Replace tahini with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor in the spread.
Conclusion
Soft and fluffy bread paired with a creamy, flavorful chickpea spread makes for a delicious and satisfying meal or snack. The combination of freshly baked bread with a nutrient-rich spread is both comforting and healthy. Enjoy this recipe as part of a light lunch, an appetizer, or a snack any time of the day!