How to Bake Tomato Bread from Scratch

Tomato bread is a flavorful and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for sandwiches and other dishes. Here is a recipe for how to bake tomato bread from scratch:

Ingredients:

- 3 cups bread flour - 1/4 cup tomato paste - 1/4 cup warm water - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tsp salt - 1 tsp sugar - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast - 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

2. In a separate mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Add the tomato paste, olive oil, and 1/4 cup warm water to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf.

9. Place the loaf on a baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 20-30 minutes.

10. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf.

11. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

12. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked tomato bread!