Delight your taste buds with the rustic charm of Spinach Bread, or Pane Agli Spinaci, a wholesome Italian-inspired recipe that transforms basic pantry staples into a vibrant, nutrient-packed loaf. Packed with chopped fresh spinach, fragrant garlic, and optional Parmesan for a cheesy twist, this bread is a flavorful way to sneak greens into your diet. Its soft, fluffy interior and golden, crisp crust make it perfect for sandwiches, soups, or as a stand-alone snack. This easy-to-follow recipe combines traditional bread-making techniques with the fresh, earthy flavors of spinach, creating a homemade loaf thatβs as nutritious as it is delicious. Ideal for family dinners, brunch spreads, or meal prep, this bread is sure to become a household favorite.
Begin by preparing the spinach. Wash it thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the spinach, squeeze out excess water, and chop finely.
In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast, sugar, and half the warm water (around 100 milliliters). Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and add the frothy yeast mixture, olive oil, and chopped spinach. Grate the garlic cloves directly into the mixture for added flavor.
Gradually add the remaining warm water (100 milliliters) while kneading the dough. You should end up with a soft, non-sticky dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time; if it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into individual rolls, depending on your preference. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the dough at this stage.
Place the dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray or into a lightly greased loaf pan. Cover with a towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 200Β°C (390Β°F). Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Pane Agli Spinaci as a flavorful addition to any meal!
Calories |
2476 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.2 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 5556 mg | 242% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 397.7 g | 145% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 77.1 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 843 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 28.2 mg | 157% | |
| Potassium | 1583 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.