Durum wheat is a hard grain also called semolina. It has high amounts of protein and gluten, which makes it ideal for making yeast bread. Durum also is used to make pasta and macaroni. However, because of the protein and gluten, it is too heavy for cakes, cookies and other pastries. You typically can find durum flour in health food stores or online.
Step 1
Dissolve 1 tbsp. of yeast in 3 cups of warm water in the mixer bowl. Add 2 cups of durum flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 tbsp. of salt. Mix on low until the ingredients are combined.
Step 2
Add the olive oil to the dough, still mixing on low.
Step 3
Add the remaining flour until a ball of dough forms, mixing the dough on low until the sides of the bowl are clean.
Step 4
Dump the ball of dough out on to a lightly floured surface and continue to knead by hand until the dough is very smooth and elastic but not sticky.
Step 5
Wash the mixer bowl, dry it and brush a little oil in it.
Step 6
Put the dough in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth.
Step 7
Set the bowl of dough in a warm spot in the kitchen and let it rise for an hour, until it doubles in size.
Step 8
Dump the dough onto a clean surface and divide it into two pieces.
Step 9
Knead each piece briefly, shaping them into smooth, round balls.
Step 10
Brush the baking sheets with oil and place a loaf on each.
Step 11
Cover the loaves with a damp towel and let them rise again, until nearly double in size.
Step 12
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 13
Brush the loaves with a little oil and sprinkle them with sesame seeds.
Step 14
Bake the loaves for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature is 195 degrees F.
Tips and Warnings
- Put the loaves in a warm place to rise, such as a window sill or near the stove. You can use loaf pans instead of baking sheets if you desire sandwich bread. Let the bread rest until completely cool before slicing it. Place one loaf in a plastic bag, taking care to remove the air, and freeze. A loaf of bread made with durum flour will have a heavier consistency. To lighten the loaf, mix some all-purpose or bread flour with the durum flour.
- The water used to make the bread should be warm, not hot, about 100 degrees F.
Things You'll Need
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- 1 tbsp. yeast
- 3 cups water
- 4 cups durum flour (not semolina for pasta)
- 2 cup all-purpose or bread flour
- 3 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Kitchen towel
- Pastry brush
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 baking sheets
- Instant-read thermometer
Member Comments