Have you ever craved a fresh, warm loaf of bread but been deterred by the usual suspects – eggs, dairy, sugars, lengthy kneading sessions, and mountains of ingredients? Fear not, fellow bakers, for a minimalist miracle awaits! This recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity, proving that just two humble ingredients – bananas and flour – can be transformed into a delightful, vegan bread that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly filling.
No Tricks, Just Treats: Unveiling the Magic of Banana Bread
Forget the processed sugars and artificial flavorings; this bread embraces the inherent sweetness of ripe bananas. Their natural sugars, along with the potassium and fiber they boast, create a naturally sweet and nutritious bread that’s kind to your palate and your waistline. Plus, overripe bananas, often destined for the compost bin, get a new lease on life, minimizing food waste and maximizing deliciousness.
Flour Power: The Foundation of our Fruity Feat
Bread flour, with its higher gluten content, provides the structure and elasticity needed for our bread to rise and bake beautifully. It creates a soft, chewy crumb that complements the moist banana perfectly. And the best part? No kneading required! Just a gentle mix with a spatula is all it takes to bring this dough together.
A Symphony of Simplicity: The Bare Essentials
Beyond the banana and flour, this recipe calls for just a sprinkle of yeast, a dash of salt, and a touch of vegetable oil. The yeast acts as a leavening agent, gently puffing up the dough during fermentation. Salt enhances the flavors and adds depth, while the oil adds a hint of richness and prevents sticking.
From Humble Beginnings to Bread Bliss: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Mash those bananas! Peel and mash your 280g of bananas until they resemble a smooth, creamy puree. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be.
- Activate the yeast. In a separate bowl, combine the 3g of yeast with a tablespoon of lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating that the yeast is alive and kicking.
- Unite the forces! Combine the mashed bananas, activated yeast, 300g of bread flour, 1g of salt, and 20g of vegetable oil in a large bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread tough.
- Rise and shine! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. Patience is key here!
- Divide and conquer. Once risen, gently deflate the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Each piece should be about 50g.
- Shape those balls. Gently roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball.
- Prepare your canvas. Lightly grease a baking pan or individual molds to prevent sticking.
- Proof it right! Arrange the dough balls in the prepared pan, leaving some space between them for further rising. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them proof for another 30 minutes.
- Get your oven ready! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- A final touch. Before baking, lightly spray the dough balls with some water to create a steamy environment that promotes a nice crust. If you like, you can also sprinkle them with some sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
- Bake to golden perfection! Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest and reward! Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, slice into
