Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Browntop Millet Crusty Bread. This artisanal loaf combines the earthy flavors of browntop millet with a crispy crust and soft interior, making it perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 cup browntop millet flour
• 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast:

In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Add a pinch of sugar or honey to help activate the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browntop millet flour, bread flour, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure they are well mixed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Make the Dough:

Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form. The dough will be slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more bread flour, one tablespoon at a time.

5. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.

6. First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Shape the Loaf:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Sprinkle a baking sheet or pizza stone with cornmeal and place the shaped loaf on it.

8. Second Rise:

Cover the loaf with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen noticeably.

9. Preheat the Oven:

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven.

10. Add Topping (Optional):

If desired, brush the top of the loaf with a little water and sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.

11. Bake the Loaf:

When the dough is ready, place the baking sheet or pizza stone in the preheated oven. Quickly pour a cup of hot water into the empty baking pan on the bottom rack to create steam. Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C).

12. Cool and Serve:

Allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This will help the bread set and make it easier to slice.

13. Enjoy:

Slice and enjoy your homemade Browntop Millet Crusty Bread with your favorite spreads, soups, or as a side to your main course. It’s a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal!

Tips:

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
• Steam: Adding steam in the oven helps create a crusty exterior. Be careful when adding water to the hot pan to avoid steam burns.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Browntop Millet Crusty Bread as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to incorporate the benefits of browntop millet into your baking. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! Happy baking!