Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, infused with the vibrant flavors of garden-fresh herbs and sun-ripened tomatoes. This Herb and Tomato Bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that will elevate your meals and impress your guests. Perfect as a side dish for your favorite Italian dishes or enjoyed on its own, this easy-to-make loaf comes together in just 40 minutes! Ready to transform your baking game? Let’s dive into the delightful world of Herb and Tomato Bread!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, etc.)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- Drain excess liquid from the diced tomatoes if using canned tomatoes. Pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the bread.
- Chop the fresh herbs finely, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent flavor distribution throughout the bread.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the water and olive oil. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped fresh herbs and diced tomatoes, being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense bread.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm, optionally drizzled with additional olive oil or served with a side of marinara sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Herbs: Fresh herbs make all the difference! Experiment with combinations of basil, oregano, or even rosemary for a unique flavor profile. Just remember to chop them finely for even distribution.
- Tomato Preparation: If using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry. This prevents excess moisture from making your bread soggy.
- Mixing Technique: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so aim for just combined to keep it light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is fantastic on its own, but consider serving it warm with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside a homemade marinara sauce for dipping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
