Editing How to Bake Tomato Bread from Scratch

= How to Bake Tomato Bread from Scratch =

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to bake tomato bread from scratch:

== Ingredients ==

For a basic tomato bread recipe, you'll need:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder 
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, basil, etc.)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 pound fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs like basil, optional

== Instructions ==

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs[1].

3. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, olive oil, and milk[1].

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick[1].

5. Fold in the grated cheese, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and any fresh herbs you're using1<ref name="ref3">3</ref>.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean[1].

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely[1].

== Tips for Success ==

- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If using very juicy tomatoes, you may need to drain some of the excess liquid before adding them to the batter[3].

- For extra tomato flavor, you can add some sun-dried tomatoes or tomato paste to the batter[2].

- Experiment with different types of cheese. While cheddar is common, you could try mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend[4].

- If the batter seems too dry, add a little more milk. If it's too wet, add a bit more flour[11].

- For a more savory flavor, consider adding ingredients like olives, capers, or diced onions[4].

- This bread tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time[11].

== Variations ==

1. '''Yeast-Based Tomato Bread''': For a more traditional bread texture, you can make a yeast-based tomato bread. This involves kneading the dough and allowing it to rise before baking[6].

2. '''Tomato Basil Bread''': Add a generous amount of fresh basil to the batter for a classic Italian flavor combination[12].

3. '''Whole Wheat Tomato Bread''': Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious loaf[11].

4. '''Spicy Tomato Bread''': Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick[4].

Tomato bread is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences. It's a great way to use up summer tomatoes and makes a delicious accompaniment to soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.

== References ==
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