Beet Beauty: A Guide to Baking Heavenly Beet Bread

Bread is one of the most important and main food items present on every Iranian table. Breads are diverse and made with different flours. Eating bread alone can save you from hunger and make you full. Most of us are familiar with common breads such as Barbari, Sangak, Lavash, etc. However, there is a wide variety of breads, and each city has its own specialty. At Saeed News, we will introduce you to the recipe for making beet bread at home. Stay with us.

Ingredients for Beet Bread

• Warm milk (or water): ½ cup

• Water: ½ cup

• Yeast: 1 tablespoon

• Sugar: 1 tablespoon

• Oil: ¼ cup

• Sugar: ½ cup

• Salt: a pinch

• Grated zest of one lemon

• Beet (beetroot): one medium-sized, cooked and grated

• Flour: as needed

• Oil for brushing

Instructions for Making Beet Bread

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Mix the yeast, one tablespoon of sugar, and water in a plastic container and let it sit until it puffs up.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Pour 3 cups of flour into a bowl and mix with salt. Make a well in the center of the flour.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In the well, add the warm milk mixed with sugar and oil, then add the grated beet. Pour the prepared yeast mixture over these ingredients and mix gently with the flour. The dough may require more flour; add gradually, but do not add so much that the dough becomes stiff. The dough should be slightly sticky.

4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough, occasionally oiling your hands to prevent sticking, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for one hour until it doubles or triples in volume.

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) 20 minutes before placing the bread in the oven. Place a bowl of water in the oven.

6. Shape the Bread: Knead the rested dough lightly and shape it as desired. Oil your hands while shaping and avoid using flour. Arrange the shaped dough on a greased tray with some space between them and brush lightly with oil.

7. Bake the Bread: Bake in the middle rack of the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 20 to 30 minutes.

Note: The dough does not need to rest after shaping.

Enjoy your colorful and delicious beet bread!