Ingredients

2 garlic cloves , minced
2 tablespoons olive oil ( scant )
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon sugar
2 packages frozen spinach , thawed , squeezed dry , but liquid reserved
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg ( freshly grated , please )
3 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
Pane Agli Spinaci or Spinach Bread is an Italian classic that is easy to make and extra nutritious due to its royal ingredient - spinach. This bread is perfect for those who are trying to sneak more veggies into their diet, or for those who just love the unique flavor of spinach. The garlic and olive oil add their own unique flavors, making this bread an ideal accompaniment to pasta and soup dishes. Pane Agli Spinaci is an ideal bread to serve with a cheese board or dip into a spicy sauce. The texture of the bread is soft and moist, making it perfect for sandwiches and toast.

Instructions

1.In a small skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Let it cool.
2.In a small bowl, combine sugar and yeast with 1/4 cup of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3.In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt together. Add the frothy yeast mixture, the sautéed garlic, and the reserved liquid from the spinach. Mix everything together until it forms a dough.
4.Add the defrosted spinach and mix using your hands. Knead the dough on a floured surface for around 10 minutes, or until it feels elastic and soft.
5.Place the dough into a large greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for around 2 hours in a warm and dry place.
6.Preheat the oven to 190°C. Transfer the risen dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a large round loaf. Cut a cross on the dough surface with a sharp knife. Place the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 45 minutes.

PROS

Soft, fragrant bread that is easy to make even for novice bakers.
This bread is enriched with spinach, which is excellent for adding iron and fiber into your diet and has a bold taste of olive oil and garlic.

CONS

The bread requires defrosting and heavily squeezing the spinach to remove all the liquid.
This can be tough and time-consuming.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This bread is full of nutrients from the spinach and olive oil. Spinach is rich in iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C, making it beneficial for blood cleansing, better eyesight, and maintaining a healthy body. Additionally, the bread contains heart-healthy olive oil and garlic, which known to contain antibacterial properties that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

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