Easy Cardamom Bread for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360g)
• Active dry yeast: 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g)
• Warm water (105-115°F): 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml)
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g)
• Salt: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons (9g)
• Cardamom pods: 10, seeds ground (or 1 tablespoon ground cardamom)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/4 cup (57g)

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30-35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the warm water and sugar and stir gently. Let stand until the yeast is foamy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the flour mixture and butter to the yeast mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
4. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Add the ground cardamom and knead for another minute until evenly distributed.
6. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
8. Cover the loaf with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.
11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and fluffy with a slightly crisp crust
• Mildly sweet with a hint of cardamom flavor
• Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Pairs well with a variety of sweet and savory dishes

User Comments:

• "This bread is absolutely delicious! The cardamom gives it such a unique and flavorful twist."
• "The recipe is easy to follow and the result is a beautiful, golden loaf of bread."
• "I loved the soft and fluffy texture of this bread. It's perfect for sandwiches or toasting."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the water you use for the yeast is warm but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
• If you don't have cardamom pods, you can use 1 tablespoon of ground cardamom instead.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming crumbly.